Relationships, Not Resumes, Define Long-Term Careers, Says Stacy Sherman

In a recent LinkedIn post, Stacy Sherman explores the enduring value of professional relationships, arguing that they are a far more significant asset to one’s career than a resume or job title.

Sherman recounts a recent reunion with former colleagues from AT&T, a connection spanning over two decades. This experience underscored for her the lasting impact of these professional bonds, which she contrasts with the transient nature of job titles and promotions.

“The most valuable asset you gain at work isn’t your résumé. It’s the relationships that outlive every job you’ll ever have.”

The post emphasizes that while a job provides financial compensation, it is the relationships forged within that environment that truly build a career. Sherman highlights how these connections continue to offer benefits long after a particular role or company has passed.

The Lasting Dividends of Professional Connections

Sherman contrasts the fleeting satisfaction of a promotion with the sustained value derived from strong professional relationships. She asserts that these bonds are what truly provide ongoing support and opportunities throughout a career.

“The promotion felt good for a moment. The relationships? Still paying dividends now.”

According to Sherman, actively investing in current workplace connections—with bosses, colleagues, and customers—is crucial for future career success. She provides a practical framework for nurturing these relationships.

Actionable Strategies for Building Compounding Relationships

Sherman outlines several key strategies for cultivating these valuable connections:

• Show Up: Actively offer assistance to colleagues facing challenges, demonstrating a willingness to be helpful.
• Keep Promises: Uphold commitments, whether small or large, by responding promptly and following through on tasks.
• Make Introductions: Proactively connect individuals within your network who could benefit from knowing each other, fostering a spirit of generosity.
• Recognize Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate colleagues’ birthdays, work anniversaries, and promotions, preferably through a phone call rather than just a text.
• Exchange Personal Contact: Before any organizational transition or role change, secure personal contact information and aim to schedule a follow-up meeting, ensuring the relationship transcends the corporate structure.

Sherman strongly advises against passively waiting for a company to dictate one’s employee experience. Instead, she advocates for individuals to take ownership of their professional journey and the relationships that shape it.

“Do NOT wait for the company to create your employee experience. Own it.”

Ultimately, Sherman argues that the career trajectory of an individual 20 years from now will be a direct reflection of the relationships they are actively building in the present. She concludes with a call to action, encouraging readers to do something today that their future selves will appreciate.

“Your career 20+ years from now will be defined by the relationships you’re building right now.”

Sherman prompts her audience to identify one person they will reach out to that week, fostering a community engaged in the practice of relationship building.