The PIE Principle Reimagined: Coleman's Career Formula for the Digital Workplace
If you've ever wondered why some people rocket to the top of their careers while others, equally talented, seem stuck, Harvey Coleman's *Empowering Yourself* provides valuable insights. Written in the 1990s, it offers a candid, no-frills look at what it really takes to succeed in the corporate world—and it's not just about being good at your job.
Coleman's now-famous PIE formula (Performance, Image, Exposure) breaks down career success into three key ingredients: Performance (10%), Image (30%), and Exposure (60%). Yes, you read that right—what you do accounts for only 10% of your career advancement! It's a hard truth that still rings painfully true in 2025. In a world where LinkedIn engagement and digital visibility often seem to matter as much as actual skills, Coleman's framework which often includes now outdated advice on ties and matching shirt colours, needs a modern reinterpretation to stay relevant.
The PIE Model Reimagined for 2025
While Coleman's fundamental insight remains sound, today's workplace demands a fresh application of these principles:
Performance (10%) has evolved beyond traditional metrics. Modern performance now encompasses:
- Digital collaboration proficiency with tools like Miro
- Remote work effectiveness and virtual team management
- Data analysis capabilities and automation expertise
- Adaptability with emerging technologies
- Cross-platform communication effectiveness
Image (30%) has transformed into a sophisticated multi-channel challenge:
- Virtual meeting presence and digital body language
- Written communication tone across messaging platforms
- Profile consistency across professional networks
- Remote work visibility strategies
- Digital emotional intelligence
- Cross-cultural communication skills in global teams
Exposure (60%) has perhaps seen the most revolutionary change, with numerous new channels for visibility:
- Strategic LinkedIn content creation and engagement
- Professional Twitter/X presence and industry hashtag participation
- Virtual event hosting and speaking opportunities
- Podcast appearances and webinar presentations
- Digital community leadership
- Virtual mentorship programmes and cross-functional project involvement
- Industry forum contributions and thought leadership content
The Contemporary Context
Coleman focuses on traditional corporate structures and hierarchies, which deserve updating for today's flatter, more fluid organisations. The modern workplace requires a platform-specific approach – knowing which digital channels reach which decision-makers and how to create valuable content that showcases your expertise.
Today's PIE practitioner conducts regular digital presence audits, develops content calendars for professional visibility, and measures network growth metrics. They understand that virtual relationship building requires different tactics than in-person networking, yet remains equally crucial for career advancement.
The book doesn't address the systemic barriers that marginalised groups face, such as unconscious bias or the lack of representation in leadership. While the PIE formula provides useful guidance, it's worth noting that digital platforms can both challenge and reinforce these inequities, making strategic visibility management even more important for some professionals.
Applying PIE Today
For professionals navigating the modern workplace, Coleman's framework requires thoughtful adaptation:
1. Strategic Planning: Regular digital presence assessment, platform-specific engagement strategies, and intentional virtual networking schedules
2. Skill Development: Content creation capabilities, virtual presentation skills, and digital relationship building techniques
3. Measurement and Adjustment: Engagement analytics, influence metrics, and impact assessment across platforms
Final Thoughts on it helping you Becoming Stronger
Coleman's central message—that success is about more than just doing your job—remains powerfully relevant. If anything, it's a reminder to step back and ask yourself not just *what* you're doing, but *how* you're showing up – both in person and online.
The PIE model, when adapted for our digital-first professional landscape, offers a practical framework for anyone looking to advance their career in 2025 and beyond. By understanding how Performance, Image and Exposure manifest across today's communication channels and platforms, professionals can navigate workplace dynamics with greater strategic awareness and intention.