Understand how every job fits yours

A lot of people think they only need to pay attention to the work they do in an organisation. Do your tickets well, keep your head down, and the rest will follow. I don’t think that is enough, and the further I have gone in my career the more sure I am of it.

Know how every job fits yours

You need to understand how everyone’s role connects to yours, so you know exactly where and how to come in. The designer’s deadline, the product manager’s priorities, the support team’s worst week: all of it shapes what your work should be.

Sometimes you will work with managers who do not see these connections either. That is where managing your manager comes in. Bring them the picture, the dependencies, the risk you can see from where you sit. But respect the seat. Your manager did the work to get there, and you can weigh in with your opinions without forgetting that.

It also helps to remember that people love their businesses. Nobody hands the lead to someone they do not think has a vision. If you want to lead, show the vision first.

Use your one-to-ones

One-to-ones are about life too, and that matters. But they are also your time to explain what you do, and to learn what other people are doing.

Use them to gauge your level. Are you ahead? Are you behind? Does it often feel like you are doing a lot more than your role? Then it may be time to position yourself for something bigger within the company. This is how people really go from intern to CEO.

Office politics is knowing your advantage

Office politics is not lobbying and bribes. It is finding yourself, and finding your advantage. Know what you are good at, make sure the people around you know it too, and put yourself where it counts.

If you know your strengths, lean into them.