Welcome To The Corporate World......

Vivek, 25, is a Fresher(deployed as Assistant Software Engineer) in an IT services company. He strongly believes in doing his work, and prefers that his work should speak for itself and bring him the recognition it deserves. 

For him, even working “offline”, developing a professional relationship with team members, managers and team leaders is in a way 'untrue' and not in the right spirit.

Vivek, 28, is still an Assistant Software Engineer in the same IT services company. He still strongly believes in doing his work, and prefers that his work should speak for itself and bring him the recognition it deserves. 

What happened next……He recently approached a human resource (HR) consultant asking had he created a professional relationship, would his career have moved forward considerably. 

This happens quite often to the unsung employees of the corporate world, who prefer to remain silent and work quietly in the background. Is there a reason or need for them to create their professional relationships?

First let me make myself clear by professional relationship I do not mean that one should go have drinks, dinner, offer bribes, etc. But I mean one should be visible at workplace, people should know that there is this guy/gal working with us in the same team or company.

According to me, in the corporate world, without visibility to the work you are doing, or allowing the right stakeholders to see the value you bring to the role or the organisation, it may curtail your chances of getting the opportunities you are capable of and deserve.

What I feel is that it's a good thing to have the organisation understand your strengths and how you can contribute effectively in the long run but this has to be complimented with actual capability and calibre. You need to show what u do, I mean your work. Just coming office on time, sitting at your desk with lots of work load and at End Of Day leaving the office won’t do these days. A company with thousands of employees won’t be able to dream to just pick you up and compliment.

Interaction is the biggest part we lack today. We should know the value of this word. The more we interact the more we are able to know our team-members, organisation. These days it a very tough competition to get acknowledged for the work you’re really doing

In an organisation it often happens that we do work for our team-mates offline, but let the managers and team-leaders be aware of whatever you’re doing so, as and when time comes you are credited for your work

As one builds a personal career, it needs to also get supported by what you actually are capable of, and can bring to the organisation but this would be only possible if your senior team members know you personally and professionally.

I would suggest, do not hesitate to express the most rationale viewpoint, as opposed to not being seen to have an opinion. Build relationships across the organisation that go beyond your immediate stakeholders. Have informal conversations with seniors to gain their insights on work-related matters. Work on developing communication skills and a positive mind set.

Be the change agent or part of the team that spearheads new initiatives. This will require ability to take on challenging assignments. Push the boundaries and challenge the status quo. A lot can be achieved by questioning 'it-happens-like this-only' syndrome.

Poster boys and girls who are good in everything are hard to find. It is usually people who have great networking skills, articulate communicators, who do not hesitate to voice their opinions are the ones who are 'visible' in organisations, and thus are able to build their personal career.

@Sandy…….