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In school, teachers would tell me that with hard work a student would succeed. So I worked hard and frequently finished my assignments first in class. But this did not make me popular with other students who thought I made them look bad.
It was a lesson I learned more about at the work place.
What I eventually determined from observing those to whom I have reported is that something else is even more important than hard work from subordinates. They want those around them to help them look good.
Like those other kids in school, bosses (and co-workers in general) do not care much for competition. If you want to move up in the system, be likeable. One way to be likeable is to serve the boss' best interests. At some point they may help you.
Dean Hartwell
