It’s important to manage your own PR within your organization. Consider conducting a quarterly review of the real players that influence your career. If you don’t have a list of those players, take a few minutes to generate one. Then every three months review this list which will most likely include your bosses, peers, subordinates and clients. “Bosses” are those people at a higher level who can influence your career, i.e., your boss’s boss, some of your boss’s peers, and maybe even one or two people outside of your organization who are in the position of influencing your career. Some could even be in other geographic areas.

Managing Your Bosses

Most people have six to eight “bosses.” Each quarter go through your list and ask yourself: “What does this person think of me?” If your bosses forget that you had extensive marketing experience before you took this job, you can easily remind them of this. If they have not noticed that you have been working 70 hours a week on an important project, make sure they know. Informally managing the impression that senior bosses have about you is important.

Peer Management

Make a list of your peers, usually 12 to 14 people who are at your level. Some peers may work right up the hall; others may be in other cities or other departments or divisions. Review the list every quarter and ask yourself, “What is my relationship with each of them and what should it be?” For some you may want to have lunch or coffee. For others it may be simply saying “hi” in the hallway or asking how they enjoyed their weekend or the status of a major project. For peers that are out of town, you may need to give them a call. The relationship with your peers is critical to your success.

Managing Your Subordinates

Make a list of your subordinates. They may include your assistant or your boss’s assistant. Do you treat them well? Do they complain about you to their bosses? Keeping on good terms with your subordinates is important. You don’t want your boss’s assistant to do you in.

Client Relationship Management

You may or may not have clients. If you do, make a list of those you may serve inside or outside the company. Most folks are conscious of focusing on their clients and this may not be an issue for you. Still, make list and review it quarterly just to be sure you are on track.

A quarterly review will help you manage your career by analyzing your circles of influence. Get started today!