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The Unwritten Rules Survey

Eight questions · Three minutes · Anonymous

 

In financial services, the rules that decide who gets rated, promoted, paid and put forward are rarely written down. Most of us learn them the hard way, often after the decision has been made.

I spent over twenty years learning them, and as a Managing Director at HSBC I sat on the side of the table where they are applied. Before I share what I know, I want to find out what you want to know.

Your answers will decide what I cover at The 2027 Rules, a free evening masterclass on Thursday 19 November, 7.30–8.30pm, where I’ll answer the most-asked questions and share what women across our industry told me.

 

Jess x

Let's get started. 

Start

Question 1 of 12

Which unwritten rule would you most like someone to explain to you? Choose one.

A

How year-end ratings and calibration really work

B

How promotion decisions are made, and by whom

C

How pay and bonus pots are actually set

D

How to find, build and brief a sponsor

E

How to be visible without feeling you’re self-promoting

F

How to get your firm to fund your development

G

How to change pace or direction without stalling your career

Question 2 of 12

Looking ahead to 2027, which is closest to where you are right now?

A

I know what I want, and I’m ready to go after it

B

I know what I want, but not how to get it

C

I’m still working out what I want

D

I haven’t let myself think about it yet

Question 3 of 12

If 2027 went exactly as you wanted, what would have changed? Choose the one that matters most.

A

A promotion or title change

B

A meaningful pay rise

C

A new role or a new firm

D

More influence and visibility where I am

E

A more sustainable pace

F

A complete change of direction

Question 4 of 12

Do you know how your year-end rating is actually decided: who is in the room, and what is said about you?

A

Yes, in detail

B

Roughly

C

No

D

I’ve never asked

Question 5 of 12

When your rating is discussed this year, who will make the case for you?

A

A sponsor I have briefed in the last three months

B

A senior supporter I haven’t briefed

C

My line manager, and only them

D

I honestly don’t know

Question 6 of 12

Have you told the people who decide exactly what you want next: the role, the rating or the number?

A

Yes, clearly and specifically

B

I’ve hinted, but not asked directly

C

Not yet, but I will before my review

D

No, I’ll wait to see what I’m offered

Question 7 of 12

Have you ever asked your employer to fund coaching or development for you personally?

 

A

Yes, and it was approved

B

Yes, and it was declined

C

No, I didn’t know it was an option

D

No, I’d rather keep it separate from work

Question 8 of 12

What is the one question about how careers really work in financial services that you’ve never felt able to ask?

 

AND FINALLY, ABOUT YOU

 

Question 10 of 12

Your level

A

Analyst or Associate

B

AVP or VP

C

Director or Executive Director

D

MD, Partner or C-suite

E

Other

Question 11 of 12

Your sector

A

Banking

B

Asset or wealth management

C

Insurance

D

Fintech or payments

E

Other financial or professional services

Question 12 of 12

You may use my question anonymously at the masterclass and in the published findings. 

 

A

Yes

B

No

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