Bodies Are Not Stairs

This is a special note to people who believe that personal advancement is best achieved over the bodies of others.

Although that strategy has had great appeal among Hollywood scriptwriters and in artistic circles, in most business and governmental organizations it is usually unsuccessful. Let us consider why.

No one likes a rat. While the people in power may have enjoyed the demise of some of your victims, that does not mean they will be enchanted with you. In fact, the odds are better that you’ll be regarded with suspicion. If you stabbed one back, then another won’t pose any problem and the powerful will worry that you’ll be pondering their own.

You’ve already been tainted. If your former boss or associate was not worthy of loyalty and respect, then how much should be given to the subordinates? You may protest your innocence but due to guilt by association, the organization is more likely to bring in an outsider than to promote you.

The better strategy is to make your boss look as good as possible in the hope that when your boss is promoted, you’ll have a shot at the vacancy. If that is not viable, then make the boss look good while you scramble to find a slot for yourself elsewhere.

All of this does not apply to situations that are extreme, such as if your boss is unethical or criminal. In those cases, the expectations of loyalty are suspended. You have a duty to speak up.

Even in those instances, however, it is wise to avoid any unseemly gloating. It may not be logical, but few people admire someone who rejoices over a body.