Just ask
Stop whining to other people about shit you need or want. If you want to do something new, go do it.
What the fuck are they going to do? Fire you for taking initiative?
Guess what – 10 more enterprises will pay you double to do that shit all day. The reality is, every person that comes in basically thinks very little and does what they are told, so the enterprise world is perfect for self-starters and forward-thinkers.
Yes, you’re going to have to find a way to make your newfangled Gen X and Millennial shit appeal to older Gen X and Boomers who are so into the goddamn status quo, but they all know they need it. They’ll overlook you for promotions, they’ll make you “put in your dues,” and do all this other stupid shit, but their cowardly asses won’t fire you.
If you’re sharp and thinking about the customer and health of the business, there is basically nothing they can do. Obviously, the point isn’t to just be an asshole for asshole’s sake, but to firmly stand your ground if you’re doing something beneficial.
When it comes to approaching these groups of people, just ask. You’d be surprised the kind of shit C level executives are constantly seeking out. They are ready to do shit if it means they can take a manageable risk and get a huge upside.
Executives always looking for ways to avoid losses or win big and you should use this to your advantage.
You should always be willing to put your personal credibility on the line for something your customers will believe in that makes great financial sense. At no level of the organization is this a bad thing. If you have obstructive, rigid middle management, go over all their heads to the executives who have been here 1/20th of the time as the rigid ones.
Those executives are trying to make a name for themselves and need loyal innovators that can grow with them. Attach yourself to them, because if they fail at changing the organization and get fired, they will absolutely take you with them if you have become indispensable to them.
Every company’s interview process now is all about how people fail, fail fast, fail gracefully, and learn lessons. As long as you can wrap a story around it, you’re good.
