Know Where You Rank
Because the lowest ranking employees are often the first to go during a management shake-up or economic downturn, know where you stand. If your ranking doesn’t comport with the grade or comments on your performance, ask your manager to explain the disparity and how you can improve.Maintain Focus and Perspective
Of course you want to keep an eye on your competitors, but remember to focus on things you can control -- like your own performance. Do you need to increase your visibility by volunteering for mission critical projects? Should you seek out a high-profile mentor? Small changes can boost your standing, plus senior leaders may question your low ranking if you’ve made a favorable impression.Toot Your Own Horn
Take every opportunity to tell your boss about your successes and hard work. You may not be comfortable being so forward, but it's important: It'll help him remember those nuggets of information when it’s time to rank the team. Does stack ranking invite back stabbing and kill innovation? Tell me in the comments below.[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fC7MJlB-Os&w=560&h=315&wmode=window&h=315]
Related Links
- Attacking Stack Ranking [PCMag.com]
- The Case for Stack Ranking of Employees [Forbes]