Weve all heard about the glass ceiling some companies costruct over
women and minorities. People seldom discuss another kind of glass ceiling.
This one is even more treacherous because you cant legislate against it and
only top communicators reconize it. Yet its a rock-hard shield. Many bright
individuals hit their heads on the thick glass as they try to climb up the next
rung of the ladder to join the big boys and big girls on top. The folks able to
crash through are the ones who abide by the unspoken rules that follow.
Consider each of the following techniques. If you find any of them
obvious, give yourself a pat on the back. It means youre already a tiger on
that one. Be on the lookout for those commnications sensitivities where you
find yourself saying, You gotta be kidding! Whats wrong with that?
Watch out! It means someday, somewhere, you might commit that
particular insensitivity. Then, when a big winner responds
How to Break the Most Treacherous Glass Ceiling of All 295
coolly to your suggestion, doesnt return your phone call, doesnt give
you the promotion, doesnt invite you to the party, doesnt accept your date,
youll never know what happened. Read each of the following techniques to
ensure youre not making any of these subtle mistakes, that let the big
players lacerate you and keep you from getting what you want in life.
How to Win Their Affection by Overlooking Their Bloopers
One remarkable reaction opened my eyes to yet another diffeence
between big winners and little losers. Several years ago I was doing a
project for a client. I had the pleasure of being taken to lunch by the four
biggest fish in the firm. They wanted to famiiarize me with communications
problems their company was experiencing.
We went to a busy midtown restaurant at peak lunchtime. Every table
was filled with a variety of corporate creatures. Uppeand middle-
management types were lunching in their suits and ties or high-collar
blouses. Workers and secretaries were muncing in their blue shirts or short
skirts. The restaurant was buzzing with conversation and conviviality.
Over the entrŽe, we were in deep discussion about the copanys
challenges. The CFO, Mr. Wilson, was talking about the financial outlook
when suddenly, BLAM! Not six feet away, a waiter dropped a tray full of
dishes. Glasses broke, silverware clatered against the marble floor, and a
hot baked potato rolled under our table in a direct path for Wilsons feet.
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ooja
(Ooja)
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