Let's Talk About Climbing The Corporate Ladder

[1/2OfDaBruinz]

For the brehs in that Corporate life, lets share some tips/strategies/experience with climbing that Corporate Ladder. To be extra clear, I'm not talking about no tap dancing shytI'm sure everyone knows that 1 (probably more) brother that be on some other shyt that be making you wanna slap the c00n out his ass.

Let's get this out the way first. You are going to have to be on some extraordinary shyt to compete with the non black people/minorities who are just "average" so the first piece of advice I would give is to be excellent at your job. Outperforming and having more knowledge than your peers will help you a lot. And let's be reality, if we are deep in the corporate world already as a black man (or brehette) then we are probably smart as fukk as is.

Relationships, Relationships, Relationships. It's not even about smiling in these mothafukkas face everyday. It's more about knowing the right (important) people, and making sure the right people know who you are. I will walk straight up to someone that I know is a big wig and ask them who they are and what they do. Trust me this shyt works, people will be more than accommodating to talk about themselves, no matter how high ranking in the company. They might fukk around and ask around about you. Regardless, you might get on their radar. I interrupted these two old white the other week at lunch and I was joking that I needed to get on their floor, and they put me up on game about a job shadow program. I got a card and everything. You think I give a fukk about interrupting their lunch You gotta make these dudes uncomfortable sometimes.

I can't stress this enough, attire is very important. Besides wanting to look good and professional for YOURSELF, people make all kind of judgments, positive or negative, strictly off of attire alone. You don't need to go all GQ, but don't come to the office looking sloppy, wrinkled, or looking like you plain just don't give a fukk. If your dress code is Business Casual, then you should dress Business Formal. Always go a step above the dress code, if for nothing more than to separate yourself from everyone else and stand out in a good way.

DO NOT share your personal business like that in the office. These mothafukkas will take the seemingly most insignificant thing and judge you off of it. I like to make beats in my spare time. You think people at the job know that shyt Remember, everyone is always listening and watching, and making assumptions, judgments, etc...

I know some brehs might work in more relaxed environments, so all the rules won't apply to everyone. I'm really speaking to those of us that work in super corporate, type workplaces. It's so cutthroat because everything is so subtle, but ruthless at the same time. Like Jay-Z said, you gotta learn how to move in a room full of vultures

Add on

 

[Ohene]

Find a way to add autnomy or tasks / components to your job that are crucial and takes a very particular skill that not many ppl in your firm has. That right there is how you create leverage and security.

 

[OfTheCross]

For the brehs in that Corporate life, lets share some tips/strategies/experience with climbing that Corporate Ladder. To be extra clear, I'm not talking about no tap dancing shytI'm sure everyone knows that 1 (probably more) brother that be on some other shyt that be making you wanna slap the c00n out his ass.

Let's get this out the way first. You are going to have to be on some extraordinary shyt to compete with the non black people/minorities who are just "average" so the first piece of advice I would give is to be excellent at your job. Outperforming and having more knowledge than your peers will help you a lot. And let's be reality, if we are deep in the corporate world already as a black man (or brehette) then we are probably smart as fukk as is.

Relationships, Relationships, Relationships. It's not even about smiling in these mothafukkas face everyday. It's more about knowing the right (important) people, and making sure the right people know who you are. I will walk straight up to someone that I know is a big wig and ask them who they are and what they do. Trust me this shyt works, people will be more than accommodating to talk about themselves, no matter how high ranking in the company. They might fukk around and ask around about you. Regardless, you might get on their radar. I interrupted these two old white the other week at lunch and I was joking that I needed to get on their floor, and they put me up on game about a job shadow program. I got a card and everything. You think I give a fukk about interrupting their lunch You gotta make these dudes uncomfortable sometimes.

I can't stress this enough, attire is very important. Besides wanting to look good and professional for YOURSELF, people make all kind of judgments, positive or negative, strictly off of attire alone. You don't need to go all GQ, but don't come to the office looking sloppy, wrinkled, or looking like you plain just don't give a fukk. If your dress code is Business Casual, then you should dress Business Formal. Always go a step above the dress code, if for nothing more than to separate yourself from everyone else and stand out in a good way.

DO NOT share your personal business like that in the office. These mothafukkas will take the seemingly most insignificant thing and judge you off of it. I like to make beats in my spare time. You think people at the job know that shyt Remember, everyone is always listening and watching, and making assumptions, judgments, etc...

I know some brehs might work in more relaxed environments, so all the rules won't apply to everyone. I'm really speaking to those of us that work in super corporate, type workplaces. It's so cutthroat because everything is so subtle, but ruthless at the same time. Like Jay-Z said, you gotta learn how to move in a room full of vultures

Add on

You're over thinking it.

Being good at your job is an obvious piece of advice.

But it really just comes down to relationships. You don't have to "c00n" but you have to build relationships with the important people.

Take up golf if they golf. Take up hunting if they go hunting, etc.

Me being in Miami, I've been fortunate. We bond over Happy Hours on a regular.

 

[MAKAVELI25]

You're over thinking it.

Being good at your job is an obvious piece of advice.

But it really just comes down to relationships. You don't have to "c00n" but you have to build relationships with the important people.

Take up golf if they golf. Take up hunting if they go hunting, etc.

Me being in Miami, I've been fortunate. We bond over Happy Hours on a regular.

Cosign this. I'd argue that social skills are more important than intelligence in climbing the ladder. Talent/skills qualify you for jobs but at the end of the day it's PEOPLE making the final decisions

 

[1/2OfDaBruinz]

You're over thinking it.

Being good at your job is an obvious piece of advice.

But it really just comes down to relationships. You don't have to "c00n" but you have to build relationships with the important people.

Take up golf if they golf. Take up hunting if they go hunting, etc.

Me being in Miami, I've been fortunate. We bond over Happy Hours on a regular.

Yeah, but in my experience I've ran across a lot of people who had the mindset that being adequate at there job was enough. Being a top performer really sets you apart.

Also, would you not agree that attire plays an important factor in perception? It won't be the end be all, but it's definitely in play. More from the standpoint that it can hurt you more than help you, but it's worth paying attention to.

It could be looked at as overthinking it, but I made this guide to help people out. A lot of people really don't understand the importance of networking or it doesn't fit their natural personality type. That's why I gave the suggestion of walking up to people and introducing yourself and asking about them. A lot of people are so personable that they network naturally and don't even know they're doing it. Others have to work at it.

 

[jdubnyce]

Take on some additional tasks outside of your core accountabilities. Shows the ability to be flexible/agile. But don't make it a habit where they dump shyt on you just because

Attire - look the part. Dress for the role you want, not necessarily the role you're in

Network - build your contact list; go on job shadows, exploratory interviews to see other areas of the company....

......which leads to Sponsorship. Try to get the powers that be (ones with more influence than you) to vouch/recommend you for promotions/positions

Get shyt done - whether through delegation or your own efforts, get the tasks, projects, initiatives done

Build breadth and depth of knowledge/organizational awareness - hear me out. If you're in a large corporation with multiple departments, get to know areas otuside of your immediate circle. Take lateral positions in other departments to gain breadth, and ensure that if you stay in a particular department for lets say more than 18months, ensure that you are developing your depth of knowledge in that dept.

If the hiring boss is a female, offer to rearrange her guts, and munch the booty hole

 

[PeridotPuss]

Three things

Performance
Attitude
Appearance

In that order - excel and i mean EXCEL in all those areas and you will be cooking and caking.

Be on time every day with an early start time 8:30 or earlier. Stay later past 6:30 at least two days a week. Never EVER EVER get into any email exchange, work gossip, or inappropriate convo, never talk about your personal life, follow up and respond to every single email before you leave each day, complete each task possible each day, never complain, ask for promotions and raises at review, always leave for the next better opportunity, always leave on good terms, never go to HR, attend all work social events.

You win!!

 

[MrFettuccinnePockets]

You're over thinking it.

Being good at your job is an obvious piece of advice.

But it really just comes down to relationships. You don't have to "c00n" but you have to build relationships with the important people.

Take up golf if they golf. Take up hunting if they go hunting, etc.

Me being in Miami, I've been fortunate. We bond over Happy Hours on a regular.

Cosign this. I'd argue that social skills are more important than intelligence in climbing the ladder. Talent/skills qualify you for jobs but at the end of the day it's PEOPLE making the final decisions

#Fax

 

[AVXL]

You're over thinking it.

Being good at your job is an obvious piece of advice.

But it really just comes down to relationships. You don't have to "c00n" but you have to build relationships with the important people.

Take up golf if they golf. Take up hunting if they go hunting, etc.

Me being in Miami, I've been fortunate. We bond over Happy Hours on a regular.

This. It's about partnering with the right people and letting people know what YOU ultimately want to do. For example, I reached out to my District HR Director (an old head breh) to mentor me & he's been giving me good advice on how to move & better position myself. I've also been promoting what I want to do to more people in the organization to help build support for my campaign

The other thing I want to warn y'all of is don't be afraid to ask for help when you run into trouble on your way up. We as black men don't like to ask for help when we need it...I've made mistakes that have set me back at least a couple years from where I should be, if you run into a road block don't be afraid to reach out to get help

 

[Hijo de luna]

I don't necessarily see myself "climbing the ladder" per se because people sit on those cush positions for decades. I'm on my second professional job now. Honestly I feel like I tanked my first professional job. I wasn't prepared for that level of competition. Now I got a fresh start, taking no prisoners. I'm competing with ppl and they don't even know it. Boss constantly telling me to relax hell I'm plotting to take his jobhe's too spineless imo.

On the real though, it's okay to challenge your boss respectfully. People love when you have the balls to speak your mind.
Stay visible by asking questions, sharing your concerns, ideas. Add value by finding ways to save the company money through leaner processes etc.
Stay organized, put all your reminders on outlook calendar.

Build relationships with coworkers. They leave for a better opportunity, now you have an internal reference.
And learn to play golf

This ain't no c00n shyt. This work ethic will be permanently embedded in your psyche and can easily be transferred to entrepreneurship.

 

[666 ReVeNGe 666]

im one of the top performers at my job --- up for a promotion at the end of the year

but if you wanna keep going up,you got to be good at your job and know the right VPs because they all gather and then discuss who gets promoted and shyt

i aint a dikkeater so its hard for me to to build a relationship out of thin air but ive been getting cool with people naturally and im good for now

i just hate the rat race and no matter what, i aint gonna be at that level where them nikkas is caking so i personally am starting not to care, man.

i will prolly get to that 100k level before 31 but i rather just enjoy my life and not chase titles all my life.

i dont take pride in climbing a ladder to work for another nikka ..... but them bonuses do be right, i cant lie

idk im torn....that favoritism can be a bytch in the workplace sometimes, mane but im good. hope i get this promo this year

these top spots aint opening up unless a motherfukker DIES to be honest

 

[www.THUG.com]

I work in the Feds so the rules are different for promotions....

Always, always apply for positions which offer ladder grades. This way you are guaranteed a yearly promotion which will allow you to move up faster instead of spending time searching for a merit promotion year after year.

If you're already in, search for jobs within your agency first! The transition will be much easier and quicker because each agency likes to conduct their own background check and they will not transfer your check from your current agency.

Be open to moving away. You may not find your ideal job/career/grade in your home state so you may need to move away to land your ideal position.

Update your resume on a weekly basis. You never know when you may need to run fast as hell from your current agency.

The fastest way out of a horrible job is a lateral promotion. Since you're already working in the grade advertised, this will almost, always guarantee you get the job as a noncompete candidate.

Agencies give away money for free training. Make use of this and get as many certifications as you can! Its a good way to spend 3-4 days away from the office too. As soon as you finish, update your resume with the completed training course.

 

[GetSomeMoney]

Bleach your skin or act gay

 

[Donald J Trump]

Find a way to add autnomy or tasks / components to your job that are crucial and takes a very particular skill that not many ppl in your firm has. That right there is how you create leverage and security.

give an example

 

[CodeBlaMeVi]

I don't know shyt. Hell, all I can say is get in the door. I am going to law school so hopefully business/corporate still appeals to me then.