When you’re trying to move up in your job, most people will advise you to network. While you’re trying to meet new people, consider finding yourself a career wingman.
Photo by Mr Seb
The concept of a wingman is familiar to anyone who’s ever tried to meet new people. You go into a social situation together and talk each other up and help lubricate the social engine, so to speak. A career wingman, as Author Paul Drury explains, does the same thing for your job. You spot open positions for each other, give each other advise from inside your various companies, and generally help each other succeed:
Sometimes you can’t do everything on your own. You need a wingman, someone to watch your back and keep you flying straight.. .Ilya (his name) became my wingman. We got through the initial period of the start-up together. Competing with each other, challenging each other, supporting each other. I have never had a more enjoyable working relationship, and I doubt there ever will be.
As in every other area of life, nothing says you can’t have more than one wingman (though in practice, we’d advise against any Elvis impersonators). However, picking out one or two people who become more than just another entry in your little black contacts book can help your career in ways you might not expect.
Everyone Needs a “Wingman” In Their Career [LinkedIn via 99u]
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