The answer is given simply in a recent Harvard Business Review article stated in part:-
Your boss's boss has a broader perspective on your organization than you (or your boss), and can see more of what's coming down the pike — be it new products or possible new assignments.
The President has the best view of the most urgent strategic needs of the company. My project leader may well be two or even three levels down, but my best work is done for the good of the whole company.
It's just dawned on me that out of about 200 Christmas cards mailed out so far in the past month, not one has been returned.
Of course, now that I've typed THAT, there'll be a flood next week!
What's different between this year and past years?
(1) I have spent more time this year "touching" my contacts, either by phone, by email, or by letter; and issuing letters is one way to check on mobility of the addressee.
(2) My contacts are higher-echelon, the C-crowd, and CEOs, presidents and the like move around less than do middle-level managers and clerks.
There are probably more reasons, but it is comforting to know that this year my mailings are reaching their targets.
