by Kenneth O'Mally

Created on: May 29, 2008   Last Updated: October 26, 2011

In life they say it's "who you know" that helps propel you to success. This holds true in the workplace too but not just as a cliche as we use in everyday talk. So you say you want to be promoted? Well, at your job there are certain key people who you have to be strategically friendly with, whether as bona fide buddies, or mere acquaintances. Not necessarily listed in order of importance these include your boss, the secretary, the boss of your boss, the human resources manager, the security guard, your co-worker, and the IT guy.

The Secretary

He or she is the single point of call for information or people who go into the company. The secretary is usually the one that tells the unwanted visitor, or caller "....the VP is in a meeting" just to get the unwanted caller off the phone. She is also the one closest enough to the big guy to persuade him to reconsider a party's request be they employed at the company or not. By being friends with the secretary you are in effect indirectly friends with the priceless information wielded at the big boss's office.

The Security Guard

They, like the secretary, come in contact with a lot of people and hear a lot of information both officially and through the grapevine. Being on good terms with them usually gives you a good tap root into the soil of unofficial information at the workplace. Be careful though, you do have to confirm what you hear from them with people in your chain of command.

The security guard also holds the unique ability of being able to watch anybody within the company because they are usually the ones that control the cameras. This unique power allows them to be somewhat of the big "eye" of the company that can watch your back during troubling times.

Your Boss

This is a no-brainer. You have to maintain a friendly rapport with him outside he official relationship you create by meeting official company goals. The reason is usually because he has been there longer, knows what gets people in trouble, and can get you out of a tight squeeze. He is also usually the first person human resources goes to when looking for recommendations for promotion.

Your Boss's Boss

Believe it or not, bosses can be a pain in the rear. Knowing your boss's boss means that when those times come, you can easily ask his boss to reassign you, or for the situation to be looked at. Not only do you have to be in good terms with this guy, but allow other people, including your boss to be aware of it. It will deter your boss from any malpractice

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