Whatever Your Position, 'Always Have an Eye on Omnipotency'

A small, informal group of young executives discussed last week’s post "Influencing Factors for Improvement in the Present Position". Most of them felt that the title of the post and the illustration were not in sync. Many factors listed in the illustration were not relevant to or concerned with the 'present position'. When asked to give weightage to each factor, the average worked out to 40% for the boss, 40% for the job and 10% each to company and peers.

There is a clear misunderstanding in the thinking leading to the above scores. A manager at any level must have two aims: (i) outstanding performance in the present position and, (ii) preparation for higher positions. Some prudent souls even prepare for and get accelerated promotions! Remember, the executive has to constantly bear in mind that he is on his way to wizard hood. 

We shall explain the relevance and even the importance of other factors, but let us first be clear about our basic aim, which is "How to Turn Executives Into Wizards". And, a wizard will always aim to be omniscient, omniattentive and have an eye on omnipotency. The first two are not hierarchical but voluntary, so long as rules or confidentiality is not violated or undermined. The word ‘omnipotency’ which, according to the Merriam Webster dictionary, has a connotation of 'having virtually an unlimited authority' seems to be based on hierarchical position. But, just switch the word authority by influence and the field becomes wide open for anyone with the requisite initiative. This is obvious from the talks of 'dummy/virtual leader'. 

How can one influence vital policy matters from present lower management positions? Simple, by taking initiative. To be inquisitive, to get information, pay attention to what is happening anywhere and helping to find solutions is not an offence if confidentiality and discretion are strictly observed. You can get information on most issues if you adopt Sir Baden Powell's motto of the scouts: (i) be prepared to help, and (ii) do a good turn a day (more the better). You just have to have an open mind and go about helping. It helps to widen your circle of influence and, perhaps, your knowledge, image and visibility grow faster. With that, so will your positions. One can read a lot; they say readers are leaders. One's image and visibility can be boosted by securing online or part-time degrees/diplomas. 

And now, let us have a relook at the factors listed in last week’s post and decide how many are relevant to the present position. All! you say. Ok. We will still briefly explain the relevance to remove any lingering doubts.

• Boss, Job, Peers and Company are accepted as influencing factors.
• Industry - The sectors in which the company is included need to be observed keenly because of the competition. A larger market share, better prices, novel growth plans are the prime goals of every company. The chances of better benefits/promotion are dependent on these factors. These are, or rather need to be, tracked in a focussed manner.
  
• Immediate and Extended Families –In family companies, some of these may be shareholders and as relatives, they wield indirect influence on the working of the companies. Serious differences in these entities can harm a company's plans and progress which can adversely affect everyone. 
  
• Social Circles - we are all emotional and sentimental beings. As far as possible, keep the business and social aspects of your life separate.
  
• Secondary Pursuits and Interests - One of the riskiest aspects is to have direct or indirect pecuniary interests on the supplier/distribution side, without disclosing this to the company. Also, having serious interests in sports/theatre or other such activities leading to excessive absenteeism, lack of attention due to fatigue, etc.
  
• Power Centres – The power centres in a company are not always as per the grade and designation. Some outsiders (say consultants) may be able to influence decisions. 
  
• Philosophy - You may be startled by the use of this word, but matters like political affiliation, automation level, outsourcing/insourcing, public v/s private sector preferences are sensitive issues. One's views on these matters must be carefully articulated and statements weighed beforehand.
  
• Trends in all spheres - In the language of business, ‘trends’ are included under the business environment. Any changes in the environmental aspects can have an impact on the business world and affect an individual's life and livelihood. One should be well informed for one’s own good.