Ah, middle management: the corporate world’s waistline, where many of us feel a bit more squeezed than we’d like. It’s the bittersweet symphony of being not quite the newbie but not yet the head honcho. But fear not! Ascending from this rung is less about escaping a bear pit and more about mastering a chessboard. Here’s how you can checkmate your way to the top.

1. Performance: Your Opening Move

In the realm of corporate chess, performance is your opening gambit. It’s not just about working hard but working smart. Remember, the higher-ups might not know your name yet, but they’ll definitely hear about your results. Tackle projects that have visibility, tie them to revenue or cost-saving outcomes, and always, always deliver more than expected. Think of it as not just doing your job but staging a performance where the C-suite are your silent audience.

2. Image: Crafting Your Corporate Persona

Image is the outfit your career wears. It’s not about being a sartorial splendor but aligning how you wish to be perceived with how you actually are perceived. Are you the go-to problem solver, the innovation guru, or the steady hand in a crisis? Cultivate this image consistently. Dress the part, talk the part, and walk the part. Remember, in the corridors of power, shadows cast are just as important as the figures casting them.

3. Exposure: Playing Beyond the Board

If performance is what you do well, and image is how you are seen, exposure is about who sees you. Volunteering for cross-functional projects, attending strategic meetings, and seeking roles in high-visibility initiatives are all part of getting exposure. It’s like ensuring you’re in the field of vision when someone scans the room for the next leader. Networking is key – and no, it’s not schmoozing. It’s about building genuine relationships that can open doors and provide support as you climb higher.

4. Relationships: The Glue That Holds Everything Together

You’ve got the moves, the look, and the audience, but the glue that holds all this together is relationships. Building strong, positive relationships at all levels of the organization can propel you forward faster than your own ambition. Be collaborative, be respectful, and be a mentor as much as you seek mentorship. Leadership is a team sport; people should want to see you lead.

5. Stay Agile: The Game Changes Quickly

Finally, be prepared for the game to change—new players, new rules, and new goals. Stay agile and adaptable. Keep learning, keep growing, and most importantly, keep your sense of humor. At the end of the day, every corporate ladder leans against the wall of life, and it’s important to enjoy the climb.

So, there you have it. Climb with purpose, climb with poise, and climb with passion. And while you’re at it, throw down a few ladders for the next batch of middle managers. After all, what’s a game without successors to challenge the new status quo?

Eric Kelly is a professional executive career and lifestyle coach with over forty years of experience in corporate America. He has established management development systems in the US, Europe, South America, Africa and the Middle East.