UNIT – I Lesson 1 HRM – AN OVERVIEW Lesson Outline Nature of ...

could be described as the path breakers in an individual’s career. However, promotions
and transfers mark major transitional milestones in one’s career. Especially, promotions
during early period of one’s career, are boons to the employee as these employees would
not have to face tough competition later in their career lives.
A successful career in management would result from the following key efforts by a career
aspirant:
1. Judicious selection of one’s first job, wherever there is a choice. For example,
managers who start out in departments that are high in power within the organizations are
more likely to advance rapidly throughout their careers.
2. Good work performance is a necessary but not sufficient condition for managerial
success. The marginal performer might be rewarded in the short term, but his or her
weaknesses are bund to surface eventually and cut off career advancement. Good work
performance is no guarantee of success, but without it the probability of a successful
career is low.
3. Presenting the right image in accordance to his or her evaluation of an organization’s
culture.
4. Gaining control of organizational resources that are scarce and sources of power.
5. Staying visible would help to tackle the subjectivity of superior’s evaluation of one’s
contribution.
6. Seeking early transfers, promotions or shifting jobs before it becomes too long to be
able to signal that the person is on the fast track.
7. Right timing for switching over from first job. Accepting an early transfer to a new job
assignment and quickly moving through different jobs, an employee tends to signal to
recruiters that they are on a fast track.
8. Find a mentor from the organization’s power core, who could take the career aspirant
as his protégé and as an ally.
9. Supporting the superior: Helping the boss succeed and being supportive at times of
crisis could help to propel a person’s career progression.
10. Willingness to be move across different geographical locations and across functional
lines within the organization and outside it facilitates career progression.
11. Thinking and moving laterally to jobs that are more interesting and offering a wider
range of experiences.