will take notice because what we all really need is help, real help getting our initiatives done. If you can get one of my key initiatives done for me -- not talked about, not analyzed, not discussed, but done -- you are a rock star. • Don’t schmooze. Just engage and be positive and respectful. Schmoozing is a turn-off. Instead, as you demonstrate leadership, also positively (never negatively) engage with your peers and colleagues outside of your small group. Be critical as needed but always positive. Naked criticism will get you worse than nowhere, it will get you in the cellar. Your peers’ feedback, even if just informal is critical to your promotion. • Don’t sell up. Yes, I know selling up sometimes “works” in big companies, but it doesn’t really get you promoted -- and it’s really a sign you are weak. Focus instead on selling down and selling across. Focus on getting your colleagues to follow your ideas and insights. That’s how you demonstrate true leadership. • “Dress” for success. I don’t mean that completely literally but dress a little better than the rest (it can’t hurt). Act and carry yourself like someone that cares. That always goes the extra mile. Never look at the carpet or yawn. Never be late to a meeting -- ever. Always be positive, give constructive feedback but never destructive feedback. Never be cocky, but be confident in what you know. • (Try) to Be Patient. Even if you do everything right there can only be so many promotions. It may take another whole year. This isn’t politics per se, but, companies of any size have a finite number that can make. Don’t give it more than one extra year but assume it will take one more cycle than it should. • Ask. Ask your boss how and what it will take to get promoted. If you don’t ask, you probably won’t get. Just be ready to get some tough feedback when you ask, to grow, change, and learn. • Working hard and doing a good job is insufficient. Again, promotion in Big Cos and tech companies of any scale is about leadership, and in many cases, management. You’ll get well paid if you work hard and do a good job. You just won’t get promoted all that far. SAASTR.COM 95