It’s human nature, I think, to believe your first impression. The one made the second someone walks through your door, and puts their hand into yours.
Humans are predisposed to look for evidence that corroborates what we already believe, not find reasons why we may be wrong.
So if you come into your first Hollywood production company as a intern, big-eyed and cash-money green, that’s how people will see you. For a long time.
If you come into a studio as an assistant, they may never see you as executive material.
Not that it doesn’t happen — of course it does — especially if the company has a system in place for grooming talent.
Then you have the opportunity to outgrow your role…
IF, in that first moment, you showed your employer you have the potential to do it.
Again, first impressions…
But what if they don’t?
And you haven’t shaken their first impression?
If that’s what you’re working up against, what’s the best methodology to progress in your career?
The fastest path is no longer the straightest.
Instead of trying to beat through glass ceilings…
Move sideways and try a different ladder — bringing your experience and ideas gleaned from the other organization,to create new ones that make you more valuable, more indispensable.
Then, bring those ideas elsewhere. Or back the way you came, if you choose.
That’s how to develop a career.
Constantly learning new things.
Never resting on anyone else’s ladder.
Photo Credit: Se_New
