Productivity vs Relationship Currency
In her book “Strategize To Win,” Carla Harris writes about performance currency and relationship currency. Performance currency comes from doing your job well, building a strong track record through stellar performance and delivering on time and above expectation.
Performance currency is most important to build when you’re starting out. Early on in your career, it can give you a voice and access to important internal relationships.
Later in your career, relationship currency outweighs performance currency. Relationship currency is about demonstrating your ability to manage, influence, organize and motivate people.
As you progress in your career, letting your hard work speak for itself won’t differentiate you from your equally qualified peers. Decisions about senior-level promotions are made based on judgment – which is influenced by relationship. Having solid relationships with decision makers who observe you in action will help you rise above the crowd.