Why You Need A Workplace Ally

Working for an organization that you didn't build is not easy. You are constantly dealing with other people's poor judgements, bad behavior and questionable ethics. You fortify your inner workplace warrior, listening to what others say in attempt to give them the benefit of the doubt. You know who and what triggers you and you've got strategy in place to ignore and avoid them. That will certainly serve as your defensive plan, and to move your career forward you to need to also position yourself offensively, and to up your career game to the big league you need a team. You need colleagues, a coach, and a captain to help steer your career ship by advocating for your talent and skills, making sure the waters ahead are clear. In this week's Sun-day design I want you to find your workplace ally. The person who is ready to be part of Team You.

To move your career to the next level you must have people who will champion the best parts of you, your accomplishments, career interests, and be willing to do so particularly when you're not in the room.
Think of someone at work who gets you. Understands your thoughts, your flavor, your brand. If you don't have someone in mind, it's time to build and find your allies. You can start building your army with the people you have lunch with or recognize them as a warm face in the hall. It's time to build some bond.

Okay, have someone in mind? Now here's the test. Ask your potential ally these three questions:
• what do you think I bring to the team/org (warm them up)
• what is the one thing I do or say that I can improve (see if they will be honest)
• in three words or less how do people describe me when I'm not in the room (see if they will be open)

You'll know this person is the right ally for you if they in fact name one of your gremlins or if they shed some light on your personality blind spot. Now that's someone I always want on team "Me".

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