Get Out Of The Bubble

One of the challenges for those who are ‘successful’ in business is not-as they get promoted- to become too remote from the 'sharp-end' of the business: the sales manger who no longer visits customers, the customer services director who refuses to talk to hostile customers. The 'bubble' can be rapidly formed: a combination of effective protective layers, a mountain of ‘admin’ to deal with and often a fear of being ‘shown up’ as juniors look on.  What’s to be done? Once you get that promotion, decide to ensure around 5% of your job is regularly experiencing exactly (not what the report or manual says) what those who work for you experience. Time wasted? No way: the regular learning and re-education will be priceless. Not to mention the extra respect and authority you will gain.