1. Manage relationships as a strategic asset.

• “Friends come and go but enemies accumulate” -- Don’t create enemies.
• Peers do matter – Build a strong peer network.
• Touch a portion of your network each week. Keep track of your progress.
• Create more opportunities for brief interactions – e.g., have coffee, walk by another desk.

2. Create common ground.

• Find a topic that you are passionate about and that is a safe topic.
• Learn what other people are passionate about.
• Consciously check your demeanor and approachability as you leave your desk.

3. Get good feedback.

• Find out what people think about you.
• Ask for specific feedback about what you could have done better in a specific situation. Use the formula: Situation, Behavior, Impact
• Admit mistakes, correct them, and move on.

4. Find sponsors and nurture the relationship.

• Find senior managers other than your boss who will support you for key positions.
• Find advisors who can help you learn how to sell an idea or drive a strategy.
• Find people who can help you learn the primary challenges for top management.

5. Build your credibility.

• Learn how the organization views your credibility (e.g., your track record, beliefs about your potential).
• Identify the most important experiences for top talent in your organization.
• Create opportunities to be involved in those experiences.
• Build your own credibility across the organization.

6. Request opportunities.

• Identify where you want to be in 3 to 5 years.
• Identify the experiences you need to be a strong candidate to reach your goal.
• Ask for key assignments that are critical to your development.

7. Build alliances with peers.

• Test ideas with peers before taking them to a meeting.
• Find peers who will support your position – don’t go it alone.
• Understand where others stand on key propositions.

8. Develop familiarity with male colleagues.

• Get to know male colleagues and let them get to know you.
• Develop comfortable relationships where each person doesn’t have to worry about how to discuss difficult topics.
• Build rapport.

9. Relax!

• Regardless of your level of stress, be a person who is easy to be around.
• Know and use your strengths.
• Know what value you bring to any exchange.
• Learn what others in an exchange need and care about.
• Stay calm even in the face of challenge and chaos.

10. Show executive presence and confidence

• Be calm and collected.
• Show appropriate confidence.
• Present conclusions concisely – don’t waffle on recommendations.
• Be optimistic.
• Dress the part.