Book SummaryEmpowering Yourself, by Harvey J. Coleman

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Empowering Yourself

Understanding the implicit rules and ethos that shape the company's culture.

The unspoken rules governing progression and achievement are molded by the organization's foundational principles and ethos.

Every organization embodies a unique culture that mirrors the traits of a communal entity. This culture is characterized by a shared grasp of the unspoken rules, encompassing the language, traditions, values, and customs, that determine who advances. Achieving success within a company involves not only proficiency in assigned tasks but also adept navigation through the unspoken rules and norms.

Observe carefully how people at different levels behave and convey their thoughts to understand the unspoken behavioral norms.

Coleman emphasizes the importance of honing one's keen observational skills. Pay close attention to how individuals at different levels of the organization interact, dress, and communicate. Pay attention to the subjects they often discuss, the nature of social events they commonly attend, and the values they consider important. By being attentive to these subtle cues, you can begin to decode the unspoken norms that govern progression and success. For example, consider how managers interact with their team members, determine who participates in informal gatherings, and the type of...

Empowering Yourself Summary To develop the essential skills, it's important to focus on improving performance, fostering a professional demeanor, and maintaining visibility.

To advance in one's career, establishing a solid foundation of performance is essential, as is deliberately shaping a professional persona and actively striving to stand out to peers and higher-ups.

Harvey J. Coleman emphasizes the critical components for career progression, specifically Performance, Image, and Exposure, encapsulated by the acronym P.I.E. Many individuals focus mainly on how well they perform at work, believing this to be the paramount determinant in securing promotions, but Coleman reveals that this aspect accounts for just a mere 10% of the influences on career progression. Possessing it merely grants you admission, not an exclusive pathway to the summit.

Your professional growth is significantly influenced by how others perceive and recognize you, not just by your skills alone.

The basic expectation is nothing less than outstanding performance. Organizations typically compensate employees for their performance while often advancing individuals due to their perceived potential. Excelling in your current role demonstrates competence, yet it does not ensure triumph in a subsequent, more complex position requiring a...

Empowering Yourself Summary Navigating the organizational hierarchy effectively.

The company's organizational hierarchy is pyramidal, with a diminishing number of roles available the higher one climbs.

Coleman compares career advancement to a competitive endeavor, similar to a game played on a pyramid-shaped field, where the tapering peak represents the limited opportunities available at the upper echelons. As you ascend, the rivalry becomes fiercer, and the demands for achievement grow more rigorous. The hierarchical model is applicable to a wide range of institutions, encompassing corporations, government agencies, educational institutions, military branches, and social hierarchies. To successfully navigate this framework, one must grasp the tacit norms, become proficient in the necessary skills, and cultivate appropriate connections.

Advancing within a company is dependent on conforming to unspoken rules and requires support from senior management.

Climbing the corporate ladder involves more than just outstanding performance. Coleman underscores the significance of securing support from a mentor. Advancement in one's professional journey often hinges on securing a mentor in a senior role who...

Empowering Yourself Summary Key skills for success encompass goal formulation, emotional regulation, delegation of responsibilities, and development of strategies.

Setting goals is essential for directing one's efforts and selecting strategic paths.

Coleman underscores the importance of understanding the final objective you aim to achieve prior to embarking on your journey. The metaphorical significance can be compared to the elusive grin of the Cheshire Cat. Alice in Wonderland* suggests to Alice that the path she takes hinges on her intended destination! An undefined set of goals may result in a chaotic and ineffective career path. Focusing your efforts on activities that advance you toward your goals enables you to establish objectives that are both specific and quantifiable.

Set goals that are transparent and attainable, aligning with a person's desired lifestyle and their respective roles in the company's structure.

Articulate your goals clearly and with intent, rather than pursuing a vague notion of success. Coleman suggests beginning with a clear vision of your desired lifestyle in retirement and then identifying the key milestones necessary to realize that vision. Determine the level within the organization you aspire to reach and assess the skills, experiences, and lifestyle adjustments linked to that position. Engage...

Empowering Yourself Summary Grasping the essential principles for gaining empowerment and guidance is of utmost importance.

By sharing insights into the implicit guidelines, you cultivate trust and enable others.

Coleman suggests that by transparently sharing every rule, including the unwritten ones, organizations and their leaders can foster a more engaged and empowered workforce. People gain a deeper understanding of the crucial factors that contribute to success, enabling them to proactively sculpt their career trajectory rather than perceiving themselves as at the mercy of an enigmatic system.

Employees who understand the rules that dictate their professional environment often experience a greater sense of control over their career trajectories and are less inclined to view themselves as mere cogs in the organizational hierarchy.

Leaders shed light on the frequently obscured routes to progression, ensuring that diligent effort is purposefully channeled and that skill is acknowledged for its vital role in strategy. This clear understanding diminishes uncertainty and adverse sentiments towards those who progress professionally, fostering an...

Empowering Yourself Summary Strategies for Learning and becoming accustomed to the implicit norms.

Carefully analyze and understand your surroundings to discern the implicit norms.

While the organizational culture may not be explicitly revealed, it remains partially visible. By engaging proactively and with a keen interest, and by consistently seeking information, you can gain insights and develop a thorough grasp of the core principles and expected standards of the organization.

Observe carefully how individuals communicate, establish rapport, and create networks across all levels of the organization.

It is crucial to be meticulous and thorough. Observe the manner in which people at various organizational tiers engage with others, articulate their thoughts, and convey their concepts. Pay attention to the meetings they attend, the initiatives they support, and the topics they discuss effortlessly. Delve beyond mere surface-level engagements to grasp the fundamental tenets that are apparent in their conduct.

Ask thoughtfully, being mindful of any possible discomfort or concerns about privacy.

To expand your perspective, following your initial assessments, endeavor to build relationships with individuals inside...