CAREER ADVANCEMENT DYNAMICS
Written by Lorenzo Flores
This concept is so important that every word in the phrase must be parsed for its meaning in today's workplace. The word understand refers to the idea that we must have a grasp of the personal sacrifices and professional stressors that make up the career experience. The word dynamic represents the push and pull of forces that moves a person's career forward. The word career comes from the Latin term careera which means to be in a race against competitors. When the word career is coupled with the word advancement it shines a light on the fact that organizations--when it's to their advantage can groom an individual for a position and hasten the promotion process. The last word in the phrase is politics which highlights the shrewd art of personal and professional development.
Politically speaking this is exemplified by a hard working team player who finesses people into giving him or her the Most Valuable Player award. With this in mind the phrase "understand the dynamics of career advancement politics" takes on a new level of significance in the workplace. Career advancement is not a do-it-yourself program. As much as some people tell us it is, it never has been and never will be because of the interactive dynamics of human nature, competition, and timing. The essence of human nature can be found in those moments of personal strength and weakness that make up our character. The human condition in the workplace plays a big role in the way that people approach competition for executive slots. Ideally competition brings out the best in people. It should inspire peer rivals to play by the rules of fairness and honesty. Unfortunately, in the world of realpolitik some people resort to winning at any cost and playing by unscrupulous rules–me first. The book Executive Career Advancement: How to Understand The Politics Of Promotion presents a real world framework that addresses critical career steps like Background, Acceptance, Opportunity, Networking, Mentoring, and Strategic Promotion.
In many cases the time a person spends in their professional career is finite–it is limited to about twenty to thirty years. In order to thrive and get ahead a person needs an assortment of formal and informal skill sets. Formal skills help a person navigate the official rules of the organization. Informal rules--which are technically off the record help people deal with the unofficial ways that things are done in the organization e.g., bestowing promotions and perks. In summary, anyone interested in career advancement or safeguarding their position must be able to analyze the dynamics of career advancement and put them into practice.
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Lorenzo Flores, Ph.D. is the premiere speaker in the field of Career Advancement Dynamics. He has pioneered research into the Theory and Practice of Promotion Politics.
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