There are many prisms that distort the way individuals and organizations see and act in the world. These prisms are neither right nor wrong, judgment is largely dependent on time, space (context) and direction. This series on prisms will open discourse on a few.

First Prism – To get a job, you need to know someone.

The above prism typically points to the supposed negatives of networking – nepotism and cronyism, but rarely to the positives. To be fair, networking is broadly used to cover elements of nepotism and cronyism, with no clear data distinguishing them, and really, why should anyone care? It depends on context.

The data supports the above prism. More than 70% of jobs are filled via networking.

Networking becomes even more important as you gain experience. The sieve of aptitude tests do not apply to experienced hands. The sieves used are word-of-mouth, fit for purpose, achievement, reputation, regulatory requirements and other sieves of the ilk.

What bothers me are the group of people that use this prism most often – the unemployed fresh graduate. They use this prism not as insight but as needless chains. Interestingly, they are also the group of people that this prism least applies to. You seldom need to know anyone to get an entry level job in an organization that matters. Great organizations know that the sustainability of their success is hinged on the integrity of their first gate. However, you need to have something worth sharing to get through that gate. If what you offer cannot get you in, try another organization’s gate, you were not born to flourish on only one farm.

The prism still rings true because to get your first job, someone will have to show you the advert, someone will mention that an organization is hiring, someone will hint that a particular industry will fit your skillset, someone can tease that your temperament needs a little beer to chill. Yes, no one might have helped to open the gate, but someone hinted that the gate was ready and worth opening.

Prisms are neither right nor wrong. The trick is in how you use them.

People are our only network in the world and no one can truly live without another.

The crowds you work and play in matter. The books you read matter. The places you visit matter.

To get a job, you need to know someone. Yes, and you already know all the people you need, including self, to get a job.

– Osasu Oviawe

Ladders are required when you need to reach heights that are unreachable from your present level.

Ladders come in different lengths, shapes and sizes.

A ladder is intended for use by one person at a time. No tagalongs allowed.

Ladders are not a racecourse. No need to compete on the speed of climbing or place bets based on past successful climbs.

You should be centered between the rails and maintain a 3-point, preferably 4-point (all limbs) contact with the rungs. You cannot just stroll up hands in pocket.

Try not to climb up a ladder using the side rails, you might slide off. Use the rungs.

Your ladder-base should not be too far or too close to the supporting wall. 70-degree-angle is advised.

Independent of the height you want to reach, you will need people to hold your ladder-base secure. While climbing, check on these people often, because dirt from your feet might befall them and in some cases, if they are looking up to you, the dirt might blind their sight. You need them to stand firm on your way up and on your way down. Check on their welfare often.

Check your ladder regularly for visible defects. Never get too comfortable, it is a ladder.

Your ladder should be fixed on firm foundations, not shifting ground or moveable objects.

You must take care when getting on or off the ladder at the upper level, in order to avoid tipping your ladder over sideways or causing your ladder-base to slide out.

The main risk with using up a ladder is falling. Common causes of falls include –
1. Ladder not properly secured at the bottom or at the top.
2. User overreaching.
3. User executing disproportionately heavy tasks.
4. Strong winds.
5. Intentional or unintentional action by a third party.

There are alternatives to ladders and alternative ladders.

Whatever your choice, make sure that where you are headed is worth the exertion.

Please read the article again, this time, replace the words ladder with career; rails with cliques; rungs with job-at-hand; ladder-base with character; supporting wall with organization; 70-degree-angle with alignment; dirt with unintended circumstances; firm foundations with values; winds with competition. Continue reading “Ladders” →