Article source: https://insideretail.asia/2024/05/03/ceos-tip-to-climbing-the-corporate-ladder-learn-to-manage-upwards/
The article titled “CEO’s tip to climbing the corporate ladder: ‘Learn to manage upwards’” features insights from Jerome Teh, our co-founder of SecondLifeAsia, a fast-growing mobile device repair company with 35 outlets in Malaysia and plans to expand into Thailand. Jerome shares key leadership lessons and career advice based on his extensive experience in telecommunications and entrepreneurship.
Key Leadership Lessons:
- Proactivity and Communication: Jerome emphasizes the importance of being proactive as a leader, effective communication, and understanding customer needs. He advises leaders to think critically, avoid hasty decisions, and keep things simple to enhance efficiency.
- Data-Driven Decision-Making: He stresses the need to base decisions on data and facts rather than assumptions, finding a balance between people and time management.
Career Advice for Climbing the Corporate Ladder:
- Hard Work and Managing Upwards: Jerome highlights that hard work is essential but equally important is “managing upwards,” which involves understanding management’s needs and providing solutions. This skill helps in building productive relationships with stakeholders and corporate leaders.
- Adaptation to Leadership Styles: He suggests increasing awareness of decision-makers work and communication styles to stand out in the organization.
Additional Insights:
- Career Advice Sources: Jerome recommends reading Sun Tzu’s Art of War for accessible and applicable leadership lessons.
- Business Heroes: He admires Lee Kuan Yew for building Singapore and Tan Sri Robert Kuok for his successful business empire, highlighting the importance of traditional values and humility in leadership.
Daily Routine and Work-Life Balance:
Jerome starts his day with a cup of coffee and focuses on financial figures, team reviews, and planning business growth. He believes in a balanced work-life approach, emphasizing “work hard and play hard,” with personal hobbies like reading and outdoor activities helping him stay balanced.
This article provides practical advice for professionals aiming to advance in their careers by combining hard work with strategic relationship-building and adaptability.