Ask Fred > Career/Work > How do you climb the corporate ladder?

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Dear Fred

What do you suggest for climbing the corporate ladder?

Fred's Response

I have told college students that they should be good in everything but brilliant in something. The brilliance gets them recognized. That is one of the hardest things to do in climbing the ladder. Also, if you have a positive personality you will be given a chance before you produce great results. The less colorful personality must depend on being recognized by results. Therefore, the colorful personality has a step up just on his or her personality but he or she has to be skilled in order to maintain his or advantage. In any large organization there is politics. In lining up with those who are moving ahead is a way of being taken along with them. Stability of character will be necessary for your self-respect which is so important in making the climb. One national leader says he only wants associates who other people like to see succeed.