Sublime

There is a solution to this dilemma: get others, even those you employ such as agents, public relations people, executive recruiters, and colleagues, to tout your abilities.

For someone to hire you or promote you they must notice you. You need to do some things to stand out.

With more well-qualified people competing for each step on the organizational ladder all the time, rivalry is intense and only getting more so as there are fewer and fewer management positions.

Second, you need to see yourself and your strengths and weaknesses as objectively as possible.

Your answer to this dilemma depends on the extent to which you are an organizational entrepreneur and risk taker. It also depends on whether you are satisfied being carried along by a powerful tide or you want to get ahead of the wave or create your own pond where you can stand out.

First, if you find yourself in a place where you have an image problem and people don’t think well of you, for whatever reason, it is often best to leave for greener pastures.

It’s also the case that both organizations and people are known by the company they keep—so it behooves you to associate with high-status people.

Get out of your own way. 2. Break the rules. 3. Appear powerful. 4. Build a powerful brand. 5. Network relentlessly. 6. Use your power.

Many people believe that they can stand out and be bold once they become successful and earn the right to do things differently. But once you are successful and powerful, you don’t need to stand out or worry about the competition. It’s early in your career when you are seeking initial positions that differentiating yourself from the competition is