Just after finishing law school, I started a clerkship at a firm. There were seven of us from around the country; we worked long hours and were inseparable outside of work. Bonded by our entry-level rank and modest budget, we had lunch together daily, often at the Taco Bell across the street. After work, we commiserated at the local dive bar.
Navigating Peer Relationships While Climbing the Ladder
The higher you rise, the more complex these relationships become.
July 27, 2022
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Summary.
As you near the C-suite, your peer working relationships grow exponentially in risk and complexity. The very people you need to collaborate with to get your work done and who affect your satisfaction and joy at work are also your competitors in a game of Survivor. The author offers three strategies to effectively navigate these potentially messy — and critically important — relationships: 1) Don’t expect friendship. Invest in relationships outside your company to meet your emotional needs; 2) Manage sideways. Your reputation with your peers becomes an important factor as you’re being considered for senior ranks; and 3) Hone your political skills. Be strategic, and broker partnerships with colleagues who are in favor, finding common ground for advancing mutually beneficial agendas.