Whether you’re a fresher or a long-standing employee, the beginning of the financial year is a good time to reassess your career and strategise on getting ahead. Politics, drama and competition are part of the journey for anyone who’s serious about their career, and who better to learn from than the masters of power? House of Cards is your average workplace on steroids, so we’ve compiled some unforgettable moments from the show to inspire anyone out to make the most out of their time climbing the ladder – whether they’re having a good or bad run while at it.
1. Connections are Key
The first day at work is hard! Remembering names, faces, roles and where the washrooms are can prove difficult, even more so with having to prove yourself. Zoe Barnes is the ultimate go-getter, and she gets noticed by being at the right place at the right time, making useful connections with people in high places and delivering above and beyond her job description requires.
2. Suspend Your Ego
The clash between millennials and the old guards is a situation most are familiar with, just like the dynamics at play between Zoe Barnes and her boss, Tom Hammerschmidt. For someone who takes pride in their own ideas, exchanges and sometimes clashes with the boss, is almost always a part of the package. Take solace in the fact that everyone goes through this, just like the tension-ridden moment between Tom and Zoe in Season 1.
3. When Blindsided, Pull an Underwood
Promises are meant to be broken, that’s how some bosses roll. A promotion, a salary hike or even that much deserved holiday can sometimes remain just that, a promise. Something just might come up to dash your dreams. But fret not, even Frank Underwood was betrayed by Garett Walker in Season 1. He was passed up for the role of Secretary of State, but a few diabolical schemes later, look where he is now.
4. Make Yourself an Insider
Remember we talked about proving yourself when you are a new employee? That pressure never goes away. It just goes from proving capabilities to loyalties. The key is persistence. Just take inspiration from the hard-working and ever so loyal Doug Stamper, who quietly does his job and is rewarded with the perks and secrets of a trusted insider.
5. Crisis is Always a Good Reason to Exercise
You can yell but you can’t hide, a crisis will eventually find you. If you have been regularly exposed to stressful environments, crises might not faze you but early in your career, they can be overwhelming! Frank Underwood’s rowing machine takes the brunt of his stress, and he methodically plots his way out of every challenging situation while he works out. The lesson? Exercise your way out of trouble, and your body will thank you for it.
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