I used to think working hard was the path to promotion, before I watched three people who barely do their jobs get ahead because they know the right people. Now I spend more time on politics than on actual work, and I feel no guilt. That's just how this place works.
34 replies (most recent on top)
@ef this is so true
It ha always been, and always will remain to be that you get promoted by visibility. You are required to show that you're operating not only at your own level, but at the level above. In my organization, it is by merit (40%) and by visibility (60%). I would say that most people should accept that in most jobs, it's the reality. Is it d-mb? Yeah. Is it fair? No. It's just, the majority of individuals with power like the dancing monkey who shows pretty pictures, it's nice if you're skilled but it's more important if you're seen.
I was responding to another vile post accusing me of being Indian. As though that's something you can be Accused of! That post was thankfuly deleted
Must the hatred spew thick day after day? Can everyone grow up It is not a crime to be indian.
@e9 You can't say nobody here is from India. This is on the internet you know world wide
@dc
There is many things to unpack in your question, but simple answer is Albany very much need leadership change and fresh senior management people.
Must you devolve into profanity? You think this is funny but it is not. If you are day trading on company time you need to stop it right now! Or pay the consequences. IBM will stay competitive as a global technology and consulting company that provides hybrid cloud computing, AI, and IT infrastructure solutions for large enterprises and governments. If that requires layoffs, then the Underperforming will be the first to go.
@e8 - I worked on a small trading app, that handle my IBM stock trading.
It has been working wonders. It analyzes patterns of bullsh-t n the discourse of IBM Indian chief . It is predicting when fools fall for his stupid sh-t. So far, it is complementing the IBM salary nicely.
All, while using IBM time and IBM hardware.
Working at IBM is fun,
Bullsh-t useless stupid management, I am doing work. While in reality, I am making good money on the side.
What can you do about it ? You, Gerstner or you id--t Alvind ?
@az
I see the pattern of your many comments on this site. I was as well super excited when i joined in 2006, having my brain washed for several years, thinking working around the clock, listening to all the all hands and stuff would mean something.
If you're 23, one year in IBM, i get it, most of us were the same.
Then after 18 years bleeding for the company 24/7, having practically no personal life, while still being said, there's not good time for big raise, "you understand" bla bla bla.
Then you turn 40+ and get the axe.
Get ready, you might see it even much sooner, don't be fooled, in Corpo nobody really gives a sh-t about you, it just about to squeez the energy of you and then sp-t you out.
Think40 hours of whatever, "leading" Watsonx team challenge, don't get me wrong, but that's bullsh-t. Theory kind of stuff and bullsh-t, if you want to learn something real, ask your senior colleagues and do "hands-on".
All the best to you my friend, just try to use your critical thinking and do not fall into brainwashing trap.
First, I am NOT from India. Why do I need to keep saying That? Second, badges are evidence of upskilling. I have multiple badges and I am well on my way to being promoted to Band 7. When I am at Band 7 I will take on a public facing Leadership role. That is the Truth about advancement, to get in line with management.
Over a few decades ago a former IBMer told me that people who behaved like a “bull in a china cabinet” generally advanced faster and farther than those who played politics. I am wondering if he’s right.
Given how everyone at IBM is dispensable, nothing is lost by taking chances, pushing for the right things, and working hard. Sure you won’t be well liked or invited to happy hour. But who cares?
The hate and bigotry spews thick here. Nobody here is from India.
why are you trading? Mr Gerstner did not save IBM so you can day trade. Arvind is making tough decisions to keep IBM Competitive Find another job
@ds
But, I am trading in IBM, making money out of its downfall. It is time well spent.
This is unacceptable behavior and you should be fired immediately. Mr. Gerstner, the current executive team, and I do not approve. Do your day trading on your own computer and your own time!
@a3 what’s up with Albany? I keep seeing it. I have heard it’s a very weird place, but what does that mean?
@OP I agree with you. I was in an account and when review time came, the manager gave this one guy a 2+ rating , myself and few others who did more then him received . Basically that guy only talked and brown nosed management to get by
@OP I keep getting promoted and raises and I day trade 60% of the time. Its who you know.
@As. I don’t think wall street agrees with you as far as a strong balance sheet. IBM has paid a premium for SW innovation and hid the debt as “goodwill” on the balance sheet. It’s all good so long as the acquired SW companies perform, but just slip even a little and the repercussions are brutal. You wonder why IBM stock went down after first q earnings? Yep it was IBM being cautious about performance. Debt is a ki-ler if you don’t perform flawlessly. So far IBM hasn’t been flawless
@OP Bob says you exceeded your token limit for the year.
It’s easy to advance inside a company if you perform, build relationships, solve hard problems, and stop blaming every executive for your own bitterness. Read Mr. Gerstner’s Who Says Elephants Can’t Dance? He walked into IBM when people thought it was finished and helped turn it around through execution, focus, and leadership. Also read Jack Welch, another leader I respect. You may not like tough corporate decisions, but leadership is not a popularity contest. It is about making hard calls so the company survives and competes.
I have faith in Arvind and Jim. IBM Has a strong balance sheet
@ah You are one sad mo-o.
IBM down to 219 dollars. Lowest in over a year
Mr Gerstner would definitely not approve of that attitude. You probably would have been fired.
Zero. But I am only 23 and joined IBM last year. If I do not get patents, I will learn as much as I can and increase my skillset.
My work ethic is second to none. I go to the office at least 3X a week sometimes 4 and I am there all day. I do not coffee badge.
I want to live up to the high standards that Mr Gernstner demanded and now Arvind demands.
I was inspired by Mr Gernstners book and how he rescued IBM from extinction
@OP I too used to work really hard, until I had an epiphany. Since then my behavior at the IBM shithole has been guided by the motto: "When in a shithole, do as the sh--s do."
@a4 nobody believes you because nobody- not even you - is this naive.
@a4 Your self-adulation is off-putting and your advice is useless. We all know how many badges you have and we don't give a sh-t. How many patents do you have? You have yet to answer that question.
How many patents do you have?
Is the @a4 Indian pest for real ? Go away, mo--n !!!!
My first line keeps telling me I am well on my way to a Band 7. Just listen to the T&O All hands. Joane and Jim K always say upskill. That is what I am doing
Over 75 hours of learning so far, 27 Badges and I will be leading this year for the Watson X challenge. And be available. I am always ready to take on new projects, lead standups and maintain our Monday boards.
@OP are you in Albany?
Unfortunately, That's the reality with IBM specially in SVL Lab where people get ahead by su-king !!
Not a single person I have witnessed who got promoted in last 3-4 years promoted because of their work but because they "su-ked well". IBM is declining just because of this fact, just see how many VP's and directors here are family and friends and how well they sideline capable and talented people. it's insane and come to an end soon when revenues and profits fall apart.