4 Things they do not tell you in corporate.

Your 1-1 coffee chats will get you further than staying late. I know that sucks, but it’s true. The girl who had a latte with the VP will outrun the guy grinding in Excel at 9 PM. While it may seem unfair, the reality of corporate dynamics often favors those who build relationships over those who simply clock in extra hours. Networking is a crucial skill in the workplace, and informal conversations can lead to opportunities that hard work alone may not provide. Engaging in these casual yet meaningful interactions can help you gain visibility, understand the company culture better, and create alliances that may be beneficial for your career trajectory. Remember, it's not just about what you know, but also about who you know and how well you can connect with them. Also beware, fake interactions for the sole purpose if growth is, most of the time, detected by those you are trying to schmooze over. Just be genuine for crying out loud...

The loudest in the room wins. Not the best idea. Not the right answer. Just the person with the most confidence to talk over everyone else. In many corporate environments, the individual who asserts themselves vocally during meetings often garners the most attention and approval, regardless of the merit of their contributions. This phenomenon can overshadow the more thoughtful or innovative ideas presented by quieter colleagues. It highlights a critical aspect of corporate culture: the ability to communicate assertively and confidently can sometimes outweigh the actual quality of work. Consequently, it becomes essential to develop not only your expertise but also your ability to express your thoughts compellingly and assertively in group settings. You have an idea, please, shout it from the rooftops, make yourself be heard! or else, continue commiserating against that loud mediocre people pleaser

Work-life balance is PR. They don’t mean freedom; they mean answer your email at 9 PM. But hey, at least you can do it from the couch. The concept of work-life balance has evolved into a marketing term that companies use to attract talent, often masking the reality that employees are still expected to be available around the clock. This expectation can lead to burnout and dissatisfaction, as the lines between personal time and work time blur. While the idea of working from the comfort of your home sounds appealing, it often comes with the unspoken requirement to remain connected and responsive even during off-hours. As such, it’s crucial to establish boundaries and communicate your availability to avoid falling into the trap of constant connectivity. Also, raise your hand if you had your significant other on your case for being too invested in work after hours? I see you!!

The people who get ahead aren’t always the best performers, but the best pretenders. I cannot not chuckle over this one, as we have all been perplexed in X's promotion merit. In many organizations, it is not uncommon to see individuals who excel at navigating the intricacies of office politics and self-promotion rise to the top, even if their actual performance may not warrant such advancement. These individuals are often skilled at showcasing their contributions and aligning themselves with influential figures, creating an illusion of competence and capability. This reality can be disheartening for those who focus on delivering quality work, as it underscores the importance of visibility and perception in career advancement. To thrive in such an environment, it’s important to find a balance between genuine performance and strategic self-promotion. If there is any consolation, these performers are exposed at some point and no amount of tears would save them.

Corporate is not a meritocracy. It’s theater. And the people who look busy, talk smart, and play politics? They’ll fly past the ones actually doing the work.

The corporate world often resembles a stage where individuals perform roles designed to impress rather than to reflect genuine productivity. Those who master the art of appearing busy and engaging in strategic conversations can often outpace their more diligent counterparts. This reality can be frustrating for those who believe in hard work and results, as it highlights the disparity between effort and recognition. To navigate this environment effectively, one must learn to balance authenticity with the performance aspects of corporate life, ensuring that their contributions are acknowledged while also cultivating the necessary skills to navigate the political landscape.

Next time, please take your lunch break far from your desk, shut down your laptop at 5pm, engage with your colleagues and be bold, voice yourself.

You can always overcome these realities if you REALLY want to be and grow in corporate....