Resources to understand and mingle in corporate america?

Question

I'm young but find myself climbing the corporate ladder fairly quickly. Can anyone suggest books are resources that will teach me the politics of getting ahead?

Answer 1

This I can help and benefit your career.  "Climbing the corporate ladder" can be looked at as a "game", YOUR "goal", continued "advancement", making as much money as possible, "gain" more power.  Ever thought of "running" for "class President, civic office, city counsel, or other positions where YOU need "votes", where many "up the ladder" know your name, how you have "excelled", and WILL give you their support, etc.  ALL known as "POLITICS", often NOT what YOU know, but who YOU know.

How to accomplish YOUR goal, as expressed?  FIRST and most important, YOU know what YOU want, YOUR "mindset" is "leading" YOU to a specific "direction".  NOW, associate with "positive", "successful" people, I don't care how close you are to friends, relationships, IF they DO NOT show a "positive life", "productive" , goal oriented, etc. "limit" your connection.  Who am I referring?  "Negative" people, NO goals to improve, "blame" THIER choices in life on others, have NO family "time", come home and TV, in other words, "boring", unproductive people.

FACT, from personal experience, ONE thing every successful "corporate" President, CEO, members of the board, ALL upper management have in common, "PATRIOTISM", support of our nations military providing OUR security, safety, protection in "life".

Every corporation in America supports "those in need", organizations helping, etc.  A "tremendous" effort by YOU is working in support of a "civic" organization, United Way, etc.  Inquire those organizations YOUR corporation supports and that YOU want to "be involved".  I know in Atlanta, many banks support United Way by assigning "young management" employees for up to 1 year to "manage" there.  

YOU MUST be "aggressive" in corporations to "move up".  YOU MUST be "decisive" with your actions and decisions, willing to correct if needed, YOU MUST in every way support employees under you, "willing" to "fight" for their "pay raise", etc.  YOU MUST document in personnel files the "positive" and "negative" for performance, YOU MUST not be "shy" in meetings to "stand up" to upper management, and the list goes on.  

By all means, DO NOT be a "Micro Manager", the "worst" as "documented" in YOUR world, "corporations".  Why?  YOUR upper management recognizes, comprehends, and "takes note" of this "career ending" practice.  If YOU cannot employ "competent", good "performing", "dedicated" people, having to "stand over" daily, review ever assignment, etc., YOU are seen as having "low" confidence levels.  Micro managers are YES people, not expressing to upper management will not "help" employees in any way.

"Leadership" is earned.  OUR "corporate leaders" manage by placing under them a team they can depend, other "good leaders".  As YOU advance in management YOU must "put in place" only the best.  Doing so may place someone NOT as senior, but YOU feel best suits, be prepared with FACTS to explain.

FACT, Corporate Execs have their "religious" beliefs.  Part of "life" is structure and we all need some way to "guide" us.  Many find this in "religion", this shows your "devotion" to family, to a "clean" lifestyle, which places YOU in "higher" regards in a business.  

YOU find a "position" coming open which benefits YOU, fight for it, show with YOUR personal documentation why YOU should be considered.  Important, maintain a "personal file" on YOURSELF, it WILL come in "handy", guaranteed.  Show YOU are organized, "clear" YOUR desk daily, maintain good records, schedules, etc.

Important, none of us in society or business want to be known as an "*** kisser", but as a young manager in corporate YOU MUST understand, others, maybe friends, are YOUR competition for advancement.  YOU be the BIGGEST "*** kisser" YOU can be, but "strong" with decisions.

Hope this helps.  Stay positive in life.

Answer 2

"White Collar"

C Wright Mills

Old but good