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Hi my IBM sharks 👋🏻
Has anyone being on bench received automated mails from RoBoT_System@xxx.mail.ibm.com and been told something like this-
"This is in continuation of the multiple e-mails on the subject, right since you were 45 days away from your last assignment closure date. We expect that you understand your personal responsibility to get assigned to a relevant project within IBM, and also expect that you take steps to achieve the same"
Is this something to be worried about?
Chief
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Laid off job seeker! Let go from well known late stage startup. Sales Development Manager, and would like to continue in the XDR/sales leadership route.
7+ years in tech sales, 4 in high tech SaaS, 3 years of management experience overall, was at Adobe prior to latest company, starting as a strategic enterprise IC, then as a GTM Program Manager for the BDR organization. 2 years prior before that in AE management. Denver Based, open to remote!
Mentor
Is NAKD another meme stock?
Best personal finance/ investment podcast?
Rising Star
Pro
I really hate when people give feedback that basically drives people to talk just to talk.
If the industry is new to me, I would do the following to participate:
1. Ask smart, clarifying questions (make sure not to derail the discussion)
2. Help facilitate the meeting by taking notes or synthesizing next steps. That feels very administrative but it’s a way to learn and participate in a productive way. You can even help drive virtual whiteboarding by screen sharing and typing out all the ideas provided and organizing them to try to drive decisions on how to move forward
Chief
Dogs bark and show their teeth all of the time. Wolves listen and only show their teeth when necessary.
Of course, you have teeth too. Now, is the person who shared this feedback with you sure they want to see them? 😉
I struggled with this for years. Then I stopped giving a sh*t. Now after 10 years in consulting I think you should listen, paraphrase a good idea and ask if that’s what is the final version. This makes you look smart and people associate that idea to you. Asking smart questions- poking holes in a hypothesis or commenting how it will work also works. Don’t just take notes then consultants will diss you, make your voice heard. You are brought to the table as a brain so use it and be vocal.
No matter what level you are, your voice matters. If you listen closely, some higher up people blabber about nothing. Some say fancy words that articulate little substance.
Say exactly what’s on your mind to the topic. Your input is as important as there’s, if not more because your level is probably doing the granular work, where you can catch things that manager level and up people wouldn’t.
Chief
You can quickly disarm the talkers by casually mentioning, “Sure, we can chat about accelerating business value by promoting cross-functional synergies across the value chain to drive stakeholder engagement. Or we can act like emotionally mature professionals, which we are, and speak to one another clearly. Now which would folks prefer?”
It’s like a little magic trick to show when playtime is over and hey, here we are.
Do they want you to talk just to talk, or have actual ideas? Also are you a thinker who needs some time to absorb or can you start commenting right away? We’re not all talkers. Some of us need to ponder so we can give good input.
I really appreciate you asking this question — I can relate, even if it’s never been explicitly vocalized to me. And, fwiw, I’d appreciate having a boss who would actually be that direct and candid (though, it would’ve been helpful for them to give you some guidance).
And I appreciate all the thoughtful responses — some genuinely great tips on here.
Pro
At a previous company (F500) we had a senior member that told junior staff, “seats are valuable - If you’re going to sit at the table you need to contribute. This is not a free education for you.” Basically, no comments or questions and she would kick you out of the project meeting series. Myself and a friend would brainstorm questions before the meetings so we could keep our invites.
Unless it’s a meeting where you’re really getting something out of it including exposure, I would be happy to not have to attend most meetings I’m invited to
Take small steps. Listen intensely and came up with one good question or insight to ask or share.
Good advice above. People will recognize you as someone of substance when you offer thoughtful questions and opinions.
You start out as a tool but get noticed, then someone coaches you and you become valuable. Just because you spoke up!
I’ve seen some successful people talk endlessly in meetings saying absolutely nothing of substance. And everyone is “bought in” (to what????) and says great input and we move on.
I don’t speak up as much because I’m not comfortable saying meaningless things in meetings but I honestly think this hurts me.
Just part of business I guess