The holiday season is upon us, and that often gives us the chance to socialize and mingle with people we don’t see everyday.
Granted, if you’re part of a massive company with lots of big titles and the CEO feels like a distant object seen through the filter of a corporate telescope, then simply apply this Jolt to the person who is the big boss of your world.
When the big boss knows you and your contribution, you’ve found a way into their orbit. That’s of value to you and the big boss.
Value in today’s economy can mean the difference between your security card working tomorrow, or handing it back to HR the same day.
As brutal as it sounds, being known is being seen for what you contribute. Our board has been in many HR conversations about promotions and downsizing, where not a single person can advocate for the person in question. That person kept their head down and flown under the radar for so long, they became dispensable. It’s a brutal truth.
So how do you become known for the right reasons, without feeling like a self-promoting wannabe?
Write some thought provoking content on LinkedIn and tag your company. Your big bosses might read it and learn something.
Go shake their hand. Big Leaders are lonely. Most people avoid them. Be the one who doesn’t.
Ask your immediate boss how you can get more visibility to leadership. You might be surprised how much they’ll help you with an introduction.
Swing by their office. If it’s an open door culture that welcomes dialogue, go open the door. Show that you aren’t afraid to count and have the chops to cold-call.
If there’s a presentation coming up, be the one who volunteers to present in front of the big boss.
Ask them to lunch. It’s one of the oldest tools in the box. Who doesn’t like being asked to lunch? Dont be offended if they say no. But you might end up with a coffee or a promise to connect at a later date.
We know that nothing can create security in our modern working world. We also know that a culture of “sucking up” and politicking is not a place any of us want to work in.
But if you can genuinely find the moments to get to know the CEO, and the CEO can get to know you, everyone benefits.