To accelerate your career, understanding and strategically leveraging both formal and informal status symbols within your organization is crucial. Formal status symbols often accompany promotions, signifying earned recognition within the corporate structure.
Common examples of formal status symbols include reserved parking spaces (preferably close to the building), offices with windows (corner offices or those on higher floors being the most coveted), executive dining room privileges, in-office wet bars or jacuzzis, company-provided Blackberry devices, a dedicated private secretary, first-class travel privileges, and designer office furnishings like high-end lamps and LCD monitors.
Even if you don’t yet qualify for all these perks, aim for reasonable approximations. For instance, instead of a prime parking spot, try for one in the reserved lot. Cultivate positive relationships with key personnel like secretaries who manage parking assignments or the head of facilities and maintenance who can influence office upgrades. Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People” provides valuable guidance on navigating such relationships.
Consider investing your own funds in items the company doesn’t provide, such as a Blackberry, a modern GSM cellular phone, or upscale office furniture. Outsiders and new employees are likely to assume these are company-provided, enhancing your perceived status. If questioned, a simple shrug adds to the mystique.
Informal status symbols are adopted by the informal organization, and their relevance varies. Displaying computer software can be a status symbol, even if your expertise is limited. Consider showcasing Microsoft Office System 2007 beta 2, Sourceforge project pages (especially those related to security, corporate firewalls, or encryption), or the latest Beta releases of Microsoft software like the former “Longhorn” Vista operating system. It’s hard to seriously refute this, since software is constantly changing.
Leaving computer screens locked on program screens or informational websites, displaying instructional CDs or reviews can also demonstrate your commitment to skill enhancement and management evaluation. Pretending to master a Linux distribution or Sun Microsystems server system is a good strategy. Software exists that can simulate activity on your computer screen, displaying a work project while you are actually browsing travel sites or playing solitaire. This can be useful when your boss appears.
Most informal status symbols revolve around personal or office accessories such as Blackberrys and high-end business notebooks. Expensive locks, encryption software, and satellite tracking security systems for your laptop emphasize the importance of your data. Acquiring such portable communication devices, even if not provided by your firm, can be a wise investment. A Blackberry linked to the corporate system implies dedication and accessibility, signaling your ability to address vital management crises at any hour.
Demonstrate your wireless capabilities, even through simple hotspots. Carrying your notebook or Blackberry to and from work projects a progressive image. These silently promoted corporate status symbols can significantly advance your career.