@fcn+1jI5Cynm The “high performing individuals” I know were tapped so early in their careers, and many - given time - couldn’t find their way out of a paper bag. Yet, they’re in this position of authority to tap other HiPos. People who from my experience, do a great job looking busy and kissing a-s - but don’t actually get anything of tangible value DONE.
The “bitterness” comes from being in the top 10% for the first 15 years of my career and never even knowing there was something called a HiPo. There is no transparency - no clear path to advancement - and if you have the misfortune of being under the supervision (and ranking) of a “retired in place” or less than competent manager ADVOCATING for you, your career is hosed. But they’ll blow sunshine and have you believe that if you keep churning away, or tweak this to the left - this to the right - it’ll make a difference. (Spoiler alert: it doesn’t make a difference. If your not tapped early in your career, you’re on a slow ride to the bottom!)
Getting ahead at ExxonMobil is not a function of being the best and brightest, it’s a function of who you work for - who in that sphere of influence recognizes your achievements and capabilities - and quite frankly, that all comes down to luck.
With two managers I was at the TOP of the herd. With two others, I was at the BOTTOM. I haven’t changed, the people managing me have. As I read through all these posts, it’s abundantly clear I’m not the (only!) one Needing Significant Improvement:
ExxonMobil is!
AH, REDEMPTION!!!! 💡