Colin Gautrey

How to Transform a Technical Career

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It seems that there is a growing tendency for technical careers to stall. Worse than that, as they start to falter, the typical responses tend to make matters worse. One individual I spoke with had noticed his career slowing down over the last 3-4 years. His level of influence declining, despite being one of the best in his field, and working at a global level in one of the big consultancies. His attachment to his expertise is now becoming a career limiter and he needs to move away from the notion that his results will speak for themselves. Another, Ana, came to me at the beginning of December. She felt she was drifting. Unsure what to do. In summary: Read More

“It’s a bit political” Walking into Danger

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When a new assignment, project or job carries the caveat – it’s a bit political – be very careful. Costas came on our third call and immediately I could tell that he had news. We had been doing some preliminary work to reposition him with the global IT leadership team, and to start thinking differently. To date, he has built his brand on hard delivery of tough/big projects, but lately has found this out of favour. “Good news, I’ve been offered a new project based in Seoul. It’s will take 50% of my time and is a major challenge. The boss has said it’s a bit political, and I’ve been sold in to save it.” “Fantastic, tell me more.” I’d love to say it was down to me but, I think that this had been brewing for a little while, and I just came along at the right time to help Costas land it. Costas went on to say that he has been asked to go in and fix Read More

Getting Noticed by the Executive Committee

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During a coaching call on Sunday, Louis was excited to tell me that, having nailed his influencing goal, he had managed to secure a meeting the next day at which he would be pitching a proposal to several senior stakeholders. The general direction of our work together is becoming recognised as an obvious promotion candidate, ready, willing, and able. And in the process, secure significant financial rewards. He wanted to know how to make the most of the opportunity on Monday. My first question, what’s your Read More

Influence: Taking an $18,000 Pay Cut

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Jim just took a big financial hit. He could take it no longer. Being powerless was more than he could bear.

Jim’s story is not unique. Many people I talk to are suffering as Jim did, though many don’t make a commitment to action. At 47, he feels he is running out of time. An engineer by trade, he has always taken great pride in his technical skills. Innovative, intelligent, and hard-working. He also has a good heart and wants to do his very best for his employer. A couple of years back he left his job because of a significant disagreement with a co-worker. This colleague was a game player, through and through. Taking advantage of Jim and manipulating him into a position where he fell from grace. Jim’s exit was inevitable. The next job took some finding but eventually the perfect opportunity arose. A small company desperate for his specialist knowledge. Delighted with the opportunity, Jim rolled up his sleeves and got to work. Read More

How to reach your tipping point…

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How to reach your tipping point, beyond which, life becomes so much easier.

This is important. Tipping points usually arrive just after your darkest hour, when all seemed lost, hopeless. I don’t wish to be overly dramatic, but it is true. Although, it is also possible to avoid the need for a tipping point entirely. One of my current coaching clients achieved this. Let’s call her Beryl. Beryl had been on a desperately needed vacation, fully expecting that she would be leaving her company, of her own volition, when she returned. She’d had a belly full of the put-downs, disrespect and discourtesy. In a heavily male-dominated environment, she felt isolated, and nobody took her seriously – because she was a woman. The relationship with her boss was strained. Although they’d known each other for a long time, Beryl felt he Read More

Five Suggestions Before You Resign

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An interesting call last Friday, the summary of which you may find useful. Maria has been subscribed to the Influence Blog for several years after seeing me present at Warwick Business School. She finally decided to schedule a call to discuss a challenge that has been bothering her for a while. Afterwards, she described it as “the best discussion she’d had in years. Finally, someone who really understood what she was going through.” And, I think there are some important points that may help you if you are in a similar position to Maria. In a moment, I’ll share with you the suggestions I gave her, which will help her to avoid resignation. First, here are the bare bones of her story: Read More

Is This Why Careers Wither and Die?

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In my research into what it will take to become exceptional in the large organisations of tomorrow I talk to a lot of people. I’d like to highlight two recent calls that illustrate some vitally important differences between those who are on the move, and those who are stuck. David (#243) is 25, good degree and well positioned in a senior team at one of the big banks. We didn’t get a chance to talk about how he got there, but fair play to the guy. Now he’s there, he wanted to share some challenges with me:
  • What does he need to do to build credibility/respect with the more senior (older) people he is working with?
  • How can he overcome the problem of stakeholders having more important things to do than listen to him?
  • And, what does he need to do to get noticed by the right people, and build strong relationships with them?
My guess is that this bright young man will go far. John (#896) is in his mid 50s. Formidable track-record of Read More

You can run, but you can’t hide…

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You may be able to run, but you can’t hide…

…from one uncomfortable, unpalatable truth.

Right now, you may be struggling with the politics:
  • Annoyed that people can’t look at the bigger picture.
  • Ignoring your suggestions and ideas, failing to realise how they could benefit.
  • Angry they manipulate events to serve their own agenda.
In which case, you will probably be tempted to:
  • Consider your career options.
  • Get your resume up-to-date.
  • Reconnect with the headhunters.
Except there is a problem. What will you tell the recruiters? How can you explain Read More

Learning to Appreciate and Value Battle-Hardened Stakeholders

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Sometimes, from the very beginning of a workshop, it is evident that the delegates have a common problem with a big powerful stakeholder. As we start to delve into their influencing objectives, “his” name keeps being mentioned. Round the table with the power cards ― there he is again. Who is this guy to be such a problem for everyone around the table? Why is he being so difficult and making everyone’s life a misery? On a recent occasion when this happened, one thing I noticed was that his name was being used as a code for “don’t even try to influence”. It was also apparent that there was a great deal of bad feeling in the room towards this character ― even the mere mention of his name. Well actually, for a long time, they wouldn’t even mention his name, somewhat akin to the fear held by elves mentioning the name of the dark lord in Middle-Earth. Something needed to be done. Troublesome, battle-hardened people exist in most organisations. These high-ranking individuals wield great power and usually do not have the time, or the patience, to let others know where they are coming from or why they are making the decisions they are making. They represent an extremely tough road-block or obstacle. Unfortunately, they are also usually misunderstood and it is this which makes them particularly difficult to handle. If you (or your team) are plagued by one of these characters, here is a simple Read More

Have You Arrived Yet?

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In terms of your work and career, have you got to where you expected or hoped you would? A position where life is fun, stimulating, rewarding. Where your performance is in flow, and no obstacle is insurmountable. A place that demonstrates you have been recognised, as you deserve to be? Most people haven’t. They are so busy doing a great job, banging in the results, that the success they dreamed of eludes them. They see the opportunities, but before they can seize them, they slip away beyond reach. Others seem to have all the luck, getting these opportunities with less effort, less capability and likely, less intelligence. So, the feelings of doubt, uncertainty and unfairness grow. At some point, Read More

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