With all of my corporate grooming from high school through college how did I manage to miss this straightforward formula for success all of these years? I don’t remember anyone teaching this or any mentors recommending a book or website on the subject. The P.I.E. Theory posits that career success is based on Performance – %10, Image – %30 and Exposure – %60. This appeals to my analytical way of thinking about everything. The mathematical ratios make it naturally intuitive so I definitely get this.
It confirms a lot of general things I’ve hear through out the years. I suppose it’s possible that I didn’t really believe some of it early on. Or maybe it’s no more that the fact that I didn’t understand the proportions of each of the three factors. As you can see it’s not just who you know. It’s not only what you know. It’s a combination or ratio of both plus a good dose of perception thrown in the middle.
You’re expected to be excellent but that alone is not all there is to it. The rest pertains to knowing how to “play the game”. We’ve all heard that phrase before. But it’s never been illustrated – at least not for me – as well as with this PIE concept. Like it or not you have to master the total game in order to succeed. The second part, Image, begins to address this. Looking the part and dressing the part along with earning the respect of your peers are key.
Exposure wraps up the entire process. Making yourself and your excellent work known to key power brokers is the most significant part. It is necessary high end office politicking. Image and Exposure are the networking part. Become good at it now and these two will begin to feel more natural to you. You’ll definitely begin to notice how well they serve your purposes as you become more proficient with each.
Your golf and speaking skills will also help you immensely in these areas as will volunteering for high profile projects that will be seen by important people. If you are a college student take a golf glass for P.E. Also take a debate and or a public speaking class. Join a Toastmasters International club. I’m a member and I recommend it everyone. Walking in the door as a master presenter and a confident speaker in front of a crowd instantly puts you miles ahead of most people. I guarantee it will do wonders for your career.
If only I had known about this model early on. Oh well, I know it now and you my friends would also do well to learn it and apply it. Take a look at some of these links on the subject and watch your fortunes rise in due time.
Wow, I have to remember this. It’s great advice. So simple and makes a lot of sense.
Yes, it’s a useful tool that can be used at any point during a career.