Isn't it true that to get ahead in a company,it doesn't matter what you know but who you know?

Answer 1

Some people would argue that it's
"What you know on WHO you know!!!" (that always helps!)

Being well connected can definitely have its advantages. If the boss doesn't like you, or trust you, they're probably not going to trust you to a high level position. They like to surround themselves with people who are going to support them in their mission of world domination.

Answer 2

The majority of jobs I've had, I got because I knew someone, often the person actually doing the hiring. I landed a decent job through working as an outsourced employee and through that, met the person who was in charge of hiring. She knew my boss at the outsourcing company so when they were ready to hire, I got an interview and since she'd been pleased with my work, I got a job.

Unfortunately, I was working with a bunch of skilled buttkissers who would go over our boss's head with every little complaint. They sucked up to the head supervisor so much, it put our boss's job in jeopardy. When budget cuts were made, I was out the door, despite being the only cross-trained person in the department. So though I got the job through "who I knew", I lost it because I didn't suck up. In other words, I wasn't "doing" anyone in any sense of the word.

The next person to hire me is a friend. We had been volunteers for the same organization over the years so she knew what kind of work ethic I have. The big boss was my advisor in college so he had an idea what kind of person I am. There is no need to suck up and as long as I continue to be productive, all kinds of opportunites are thrown my way. So I'm very sold on the "who you know" part of the job scene but you have to be able to bring something to the game so you don't make the "who you know" person look like an idiot for hiring you.

Answer 3

That is only partially true. If you know the CEO but are stupid, you may get ahead for a while, but your stupidity will eventually send you packing.

And if you are the smartest person in the office, but no one knows it, you won't go any where either.

The best bet is a combination. Know your job and your field and play the office politics game. Work hard and make sure people know - in an unassuming and inforamtional way - that your a doing a good job.

Answer 4

The two are linked if you don't know anything then it is highly unlikely you will ever know the right people that can effect meaningful advancement

Answer 5

and who you do :0)

Answer 6

I would agree with it being who you know to be more important.

Answer 7

absolutely it is the networking

Answer 8

both