How can a newly graduated MBA student excel and move up the company?
Jack Welch was asked this question when talking on how to advance in a company for anyone looking to make a difference.
His response was interesting in that he said it wasn't whether you had an MBA or not, that wasn't what was relevant, what was relevant was how you responded to requests.
He said it this way:
"Like anybody without an MBA, they never do what they are asked, they always do more. If somebody asks them a question about this magazine, they give a competitive view on all the magazines. If your boss asks you a question, he or she often knows the answer; they usually just want you to confirm it."
Not only is this great advice when you're trying to move up in a company, it's great advice for tough economic times like we're in now. We need to build up our value and worth to a company and those over us if we want to be considered irreplaceable. Companies don't let irreplaceable people go.
When it comes down to tough times or advancing in a company, it's those who know their stuff that are held on to, not those that may be highly paid superstars. We've seen that in a number of instances recently in the entertainment industry where well known personalities were let go because they were expendable and costly.
But get somebody that knows their business and makes the boss look good through their consistent contribution over a period of time, and it would be like pulling teeth to get them to get rid of you.
Whatever you do or say, Welch advised to give the actions and answers as an "A" plus every time. "Blow them away with thorough, actionable information!"
Every time you do this, there's something added to the invisible "good will" of those over you. Those continue to add up, and eventually will pay off as you ask for a promotion or stay on through the difficult times.
You may not see it over the short term, but over the long term you'll excel and get all that you want out of the company and leaders you serve. It begins and ends with thoroughly knowing your stuff. That means you've really got to care about what you're doing, even if it's not the end you're reaching for.
Other Jack Welch Resources:
Jack Welch's advice to MIT Sloan students
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