Beware Of Fishy Advice

Shallow self-promotion is often deduced for what it is by those it’s supposed to impress

It's probably not a terrific idea to begin a career advice article with a critical comment about the genre, but I am unable to heed the alarm signals sounding in my head. I just have to say this. Much of what is written under the rubric of "career advice" sounds pretty fishy to me. For example, I came across a piece the other day about "The Art of Self-Promotion." I’ve read stuff like this before, urging those with ambition to exhaustively search for ways to call attention to themselves. Techniques large and small are advocated, everything from saturating all elbow-rubbing occasions with your business card to covertly arranging media coverage for yourself, which most of us can’t even imagine doing.     I suppose those who do all this might prosper, but I find myself wondering why such shallow self-promotion would fool anyone who has enough authority to pull someone else up the ladder. Are these people blind? Can’t they see through this trickery? In fact, doesn’t it leave them with an oily feeling, wanting to stay clear of the very folks who seek their help? Maybe I’m too jaded, but, at the very least, Lincoln must have been right about being unable to fool all of the people all of the time. Superficial techniques can’t always work. Some might prefer a different, more substantive approach to getting ahead. At least, I hope that is so.     For starters, promotion ought to be viewed as a three-way intersection. Ambition is only one of the avenues. Opportunity and ability are the other two. These articles make it sound like opportunity is always there for the taking regardless of timing and circumstance when that obviously is not the case. Sometimes the hierarchical terrain is fully occupied, eliminating all opportunity for advancement, at least at a certain time and place. And what about ability? From reading these articles, I guess we are to take for granted that those who want to move up have the skills needed on the next rung of the ladder. But doesn’t this issue deserve at least a little attention?     Don't misunderstand me. I consider ambition an admirable trait and have nothing against those who know how to get ahead. I just would recommend a course of action that crosses over a few bridges rarely mentioned in the usual advice. Here are my own set of guidelines for those who seek promotion.     · Each of us is the architect of our own future and we are always busy at the drawing board. Everything counts. Your career isn’t just a summary of highlights. It’s your whole work life. Treat everyone well. Do well at all assignments. Seek challenges. Be an enthusiastic participant in all aspects of your job.     · Shallow behavior produces shallow results. Insightful people recognize insincerity. Be aware of your self-interest, but think, too, of the needs of others. In the end, you live with yourself. Be happy about the company you keep. Persistently produce positively. Read those three words again, giving equal attention to each of them.     · Be your own best advocate. Think of better ways. Express them. Write well because that is still the best way to get your ideas across. When your suggestions aren’t followed, lose gracefully, but don’t repeat your mistakes. Take credit when you deserve it. And give it when it is deserved.     · Know the promotion you don’t want. Careers always plateau, with or without our permission; a happy plateau is far better than a miserable summit. When you look upward, ask yourself important "gut" questions. Can I see myself doing that? Would I be good at it? Would I like it? Listen to the answers. Heed them. Before you pour yourself into a promotional campaign, understand that jobs don’t love you, people do. Make sure you have provided for that.     · Develop and refine universally-admired traits. It’s easy since there are only four: enthusiasm, team-orientation, strong work ethic, and adaptability. Neil Murray is director of career services at UCSD.

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