How to Make a Short Executive Taller

This is corporate whoring at its best. How many of you leave work feeling cheap and dirty after having to build up a munchkin in the office? Well, fellow prostitutes, I've had my share of this kind of "work" and after a while it becomes old hat. Although you'd hope it not necessary, i have a few tips that can help you increase the "elevation" in your office. Whether you work for one, supervise one, support one or live with one, there are tangible benefits to short men feeling tall. First, always position yourself lower than his eye level -- in other words you need to adjust your posture or desk chair so that you're shorter when seated in front of him. It will make him happy. Second, it's always got to be his idea -- you'll get your desired outcome & score points if you can help him shine and feel smart. Perceived intelligence always helps the little person. Third, subtly "pump him up" when it's appropriate -- agree with his brilliant ideas, compliment his power Rolex, note his tailored shirt and get "misty" at mention of his private jet or amazing car -- this will make him grow AND it will make him more open to your opposing points of view, when you need to have them. Last, but not least: always, always, always remember that it's all about him -- you will get more traction with the small executive if you have every conversation, present every idea and navigate every situation looking through that lens. I'd love to hear your tips, too!

The Power Hungry Executive Assistant....

You've all met him or her. It's the executive assistant that thinks he (or she) has all the power of his executive....and abuses it. I'm going to generalize here, but this is especially true of those assistants that support really high level executives AND have no meaningful life outside of their work. It's the person that lives in an unremarkable, unfulfilled, lonely and tragic life -- he (or she) then looks to his job and company to augment what's missing outside of the office. It's this person that looks at every phone call, meeting request, drive-by visit or email as a "moment of power" that exists in his otherwise empty life. Funny thing is that because of the ever present politics and desires to stay on the "good side" of the executive in charge, the bulk of the folks dealing with this pitiful assistant will find themselves kissing up to him (or her).....which feeds the beast and perpetuates the perceived (or real) power play of the executive assistant. In other words, for a minute or two, it gives the assistant the false feeling of relevance, which is addictive -- like a drug. How many of you know one of these creatures? And what should be done so that we don't waste another second trying to stay in the good graces of an assistant simply because he (or she) is miserable and has lost sight? Do tell....

A Different Way to Look at the Corporate "Pissing Contest"

Women get a bad name in Corporate America......or do they? During my years as an executive, I've noticed that successful women typically get labeled one way or another. It's completely understood and expected for men to be competitive, aggressive, direct and "cut throat" as they make deals, maneuver the board room and climb the corporate ladder -- we typically admire their success and their ability to maintain positions of power and influence. We joke that, occasionally, they find themselves in a "pissing contest" and laugh about which one comes to the party with bigger or better equipment - it's pretty straight forward - and it all seems normal. But what do we think of women who make their way to the top? Different words usually come to mind: bitch, hard core, ice queen, diva, power hungry, volatile, passive-aggressive, driven, emotional, clawing her way to the top.... and on and on it goes..... Personally, i think the corporate machine holds women to a different standard when it comes to power and leadership. It seems they get criticised for some of the same behaviors that their male counterparts are rewarded for and they have to work twice as hard to overcome the negative perceptions. With that said, i must say, that women don't do each other ANY favors in the workplace. You'd think that they would form their own "good old boys club," a support system or a sense of community in the office. NOT SO MUCH. In fact, their mode of operation is much more complicated and often more covert than the guys. While some of the same agendas and goals may exist, in my experience, female executives are much less direct about how they interface with their peers and each other. For example, while there's really only one measure for the boys pissing contest, there are many more subtle ways women can compete. At the moment, it's all about the shoes: who's got the biggest, baddest pair of Christian Louboutins. You may think I'm kidding. Next time you stroll around the c-suite, take a look....you'll notice there's more than one way to have a "big one" in the office. I'll keep you posted as the "measure" changes and, in the meantime, watch carefully as the executives in your company find new and different ways to compete!