11 Mar Overcoming The Advantages That Others May Have
I love sports and often use sports analogies.
Now is the time of Major League Baseball’s Spring training. At every team’s camp, at least one or more young men try to earn a place on the team’s roster.
Here is a hypothetical situation:
Your team has two people at camp competing for one position, let’s say third baseman. So far, one young player, Smith, has had a terrific Spring. His batting average is .453, he has stolen three bases, his fielding has been perfect, and his attitude has been exemplary. Smith was undrafted out of college, where he played for three years and was a consistent .300 hitter.
His opponent, Jones, was a high first-round draft choice by his team two years ago. He was an all-conference infielder. Since then, he has played in the minor leagues, but his overall batting average of .259 has been disappointing. He has been dealing with a pulled hamstring and has not played much. When he played, he hit only .166 in twelve at-bats.
The team’s general manager must decide which player he will keep on the major league roster: Smith or Jones.
Who should it be? Who do you think it will be?
It will be Jones. Why? The team has invested a high draft choice in him and believes he will eventually be a star player. The team will ignore Smith’s outstanding Spring performance and either offer him a job in the minor leagues or let him go to another team. Was it a fair contest? Probably not. Jones always had an “edge” because he was a high draft choice.
How does this apply to life in a non-sports situation?
Smith represents those who rely on results and determination, while Jones symbolizes individuals whose potential or connections can give them an edge. Many experience this dilemma, particularly in professional settings. Often, those with impressive track records (like Smith) may be overlooked for those perceived to have greater long-term potential or who carry the “right” credentials (like Jones). It is the familiar paradox of recognizing merit versus inherent or perceived advantage.
If the goal is to reach the top level of an organization, some people have an easier path. Perhaps they attended an Ivy League university, have a family connection, or have a previous work connection.
However, individuals without an advantage can still reach the top level of organizations.
According to a study by Dave Kang, then of Dartmouth, only 11.8% of Fortune 500 CEOs had Ivy League undergraduate degrees, and only 9.8% earned an Ivy League MBA.1
Many people have achieved the top levels of organizations through their exemplary performance, hard work, and demonstrated skills. Many have also been very successful entrepreneurs. Many years ago, I met J. Michael Cook, the now-retired Chairman of Deloitte. He graduated from the University of Florida. He started as an auditor at Deloitte, Haskins & Sells, and rose to the top. He is an exception.
Other notable examples include Steve Jobs, a co-founder of Apple who was adopted and a college dropout, and Richard Branson, the Founder of Virgin Group, who left formal schooling at 16. Michael Dell, the founder of Dell Technologies, dropped out of college, as did Microsoft’s Bill Gates, who attended Harvard. Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder of Facebook, also dropped out of Harvard. Larry Ellison, the co-founder (and currently the Chief Technology Officer) of Oracle and now the fourth richest billionaire in the world,2 dropped out of the University of Illinois. He was born to an unwed mother and adopted by his aunt and uncle. He certainly didn’t have an advantage.
Non-entrepreneurs who worked their way up the organization include Mary Barra, a factory worker at General Motors who became the CEO. Doug McMillon started his career as a truck loader at a distribution center and later became the CEO of Walmart. David Abney was a part-time package loader who became the CEO of global delivery giant UPS. Sidney Weinberg (not related) was a high-school dropout who became the longtime CEO of Goldman Sachs.
While some may possess a head-start advantage, there are many strategies that individuals without advantages may employ to overcome barriers and get promoted to the C level of an organization. Here are seven suggestions:
- Build Your Professional Network
- Seek mentorship: Proactively reach out to individuals you admire. Do not limit yourself to close friends. Many are happy to offer guidance if approached respectfully.
- Leverage professional groups: Join industry associations, online forums, or attend conferences to meet like-minded individuals. Contribute articles and comments.
- Build relationships, not transactions: Genuine relationships create trust and open unexpected doors. Offer them your assistance and expertise.
- Excel in Your Current Role
- Demonstrate excellence consistently at your job; results are hard to ignore.
- Take initiative—volunteer for challenging tasks or projects outside your job description to showcase leadership potential. Executives appreciate people that want to help solve problems or contribute ideas.
- Master Storytelling
- Learn to communicate your achievements effectively to top management. Highlight how your background has shaped your skills and made you resourceful and adaptable.
- Tailor your narrative to align with the organization’s or team’s values. They care most how you contributed to their strategic goals.
- Stay Visible
- Maintain a professional presence through LinkedIn.com or a personal website showcasing your expertise.
- Write or share insightful content, whether it’s about your industry or personal achievements, to establish your voice.
- Hone Your Skills
- Pursue certifications, courses, or training relevant to your goals. Yes, even if you are highly experienced, do this.
- Stay informed about industry trends to position yourself as knowledgeable and forward-thinking.
- Cultivate a Positive Reputation
- Be known for traits like reliability, honesty, and kindness. People recommend and champion those they trust and like.
- Support others, even if it doesn’t immediately benefit you—it can pay dividends down the line. I promise you that one day you will be rewarded.
- Take Strategic Risks
- Be bold. Take risks. Don’t shy away from opportunities simply because they seem unattainable. Seek out stretch assignments, startups, or unconventional pathways to showcase what you bring.
Those without traditional connections can compete and thrive by investing in these strategies. Do not assume it is hopeless if you do not possess a degree from an Ivy League university, or an advanced degree. One doesn’t need to have an advantage to be very successful. I am also an example of succeeding without an advantage.
2 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloomberg_Billionaires_Index
Edited using Microsoft Copilot