The Buzz
Take high road and don’t question decision
Q: I was promised a promotion to vice-president based on my knowledge, experience and performance. Then last month a political appointment was inserted above me, pushing me down a level.
I’m convinced my opportunity has been torn from my grasp. I feel betrayed and want to get to the bottom of how this happened. What’s the best way to do that?
A: It is devastating being passed over when the selection appears biased, unfair or undeserving. You may have been assured the role, but it still is not an entitlement. Therefore, you have nothing to gain and everything to lose by hunting down the culprit.
How will judging or critiquing the boss’s choices reflect on you? A knee-jerk reaction to quit or blame may, in their mind, justify their decision that you were not the right person for the role. This is not your first obstacle en route to the executive suite. The hardest distance to run in a marathon is the last mile.
If you choose to stick it out, take the high road to the finish line.
Keep your disappointment away from the workplace, seek feedback for improvement and support the new leader.
Believe that your continued commitment and outstanding abilities will once again be recognized.
If the leader is not a fit for the role, the obstacle may only be temporary. Therefore, staying the course may still pay dividends, albeit delayed.
Use the additional time strategically, exhibiting qualities of a resilient team player, trusted ally and reliable leader. If this is not the first time you have been passed over, your future may be limited at this company.
Best to move on perceived as a diplomat caught in the crossfire than an antagonistic bridge burner.
Originally printed in The Province, Mar 16, 2014.
Effective mentors make great leaders
Q My goal for 2014 is to be promoted to director level. Other than the specifics my boss has told me, what else should I ensure I do?
A: Performing every aspect of your job in a professional and exemplary manner is a must. Going above and beyond expectations, operating as if you are already at the director level will help decision makers envision you in the new role. Focus on tasks that are appropriate for your level. Delegate the others.
When handing work off, enrol individuals so they feel inspired and empowered – not resentful – to help you. People want to grow and learn. Show them how these are opportunities to support and develop them. Coach or mentor them along the way. Step up for high-visibility projects that showcase your strengths and versatility. Increasing your areas of expertise raises your value to the organization. Share your accomplishments where appropriate in ways that are humble and matter-of-fact, not self promotional or aggressive.
Broaden your network to align with the right people outside of your department or functional area. Cultivate strong relationships with peers, your manager and others in positions of power. Collaborating with others to help them succeed shows you are confident, trustworthy and respectful. Communicate clearly, conveying the appropriate amount of information for a director.
Too often, leaders give too little context – confusing the listener – and too much detail, which undermines their message. Find the right balance of both for every audience.
Above all, be yourself. When what you do is a right fit, work is easier and more fun. Passionate committed leaders are infectious.
Firing can be overcome
Q: I’ve been cut loose from my executive position with seven years until retirement. How do I position myself after being sacked?
A: Personality and “f i t” account for most terminations. Being fired is recoverable if you handle it properly. First, make peace with what happened so you don’t bring negativity to the interview.
If or when the issue comes up, admit you were fired. Don’t introduce it yourself. Address the question directly. Explain the circumstances and reasons without even a hint of blame, resentment or defensiveness. This is an opportunity to demonstrate selfawareness, self-management, honesty and transparency.
Recognizing a potent ial employer will have some concerns, a well-presented explanation can show that regardless of the termination, you are a person with great value and potential. Point to your strengths, expertise and past successes so they understand this one-time occurrence will not affect your future performance.
Look the interviewer straight in the eyes with matter-of-fact confidence. A person who conveys fear or anxiety in their tone or body language leads the interviewer to believe there is more to the situation than is being revealed.
Frame the dismissal in terms of what you learned, how you grew from it and how the next company will benefit from the experience. Take responsibility for whatever your part was in it. Provide strong references who can provide third-party credibility to your character.
Smaller organizations that are reaching maturity could benefit from your invaluable experience. Skills are transferable. What other industries would profit from your unique expertise and outside perspective? Attitude and a sense of confidence can be the key to finding an even better role in a company where you will be a valuable addition to their organization and a ‘fit’ for their culture.
Originally published in The Province, Nov. 17, 2013.
MBA no guarantee of success
Q: I received my MBA in April and I still can’t get my first job. I’m overqualified for most entry-level jobs, but when I apply for the ones that match my education, I never make it past the first interview. Why don’t they see what an asset I am?
A: While employers may be seeking the specific skills and abilities promised on your resume, they often hire for attitude. Gen Y employees bring significant skills but can show up in interviews with characteristics that are unwelcome at work.
Interviewers are most likely going to be of a different generation than you. They value initiative, critical-thinking skills and effective communication. They are looking for loyalty and a strong work ethic. Be sure you haven’t embellished skills on your resume or you will be dead in the water in the interview when your level of integrity and honesty is exposed.
They want employees who respect authority, are willing to adapt to someone’s idea – not reject it out of hand without weighing its merits and can accurately access likely consequences.
While you may feel the position is below your qualification level, show up prepared, enthusiastic and engaged in the company and the role. Keep the discussion professional. Ask pertinent questions demonstrating that you have done your research and are giving this serious consideration.
Leave personal conversations to social media. In the end, you may need to accept a job that pays less than you want to get your foot in the door of your ideal employer. During those first few years focus on learning, demonstrating your abilities, and willingness to invest the hours to get ahead.
This paves the way to being a top earner in subsequent years. As the boomers retire, there will be plenty of promotions up for grabs.
Originally printed in The Province, October 27, 2013.
Take time to get back in the work flow
Q: I am returning to work after five weeks of vacation and am already feeling overwhelmed. Last time I had over 2,000 emails in my inbox. What tips do you have to get me back on track faster this time?
A: Believe that being rejuvenated and clear headed will help you accomplish more than you think. Be realistic and give yourself time to reacclimatize.
Keep your out-of-office message on and avoid booking appointments for one or two additional days so you can get reoriented and reorganized.
Perhaps change your out-ofoffice message to say you are back and if something needs urgent attention re-send it.
Get a status report from your boss and colleagues on key projects so you have a clear sense of the big picture and key priorities. A 15-minute standup huddle will keep things brief and concise. Where are things at? What are the highest priorities? Reconfirm timelines and deadlines.
After these meetings, create a new to-do list and block time in your calendar to accomplish them so you are in control of your time, not others.
Review and clean the clutter out of your inbox because the junk can obscure the critical ones. Only read and respond to urgent emails. Beginning with the most recent, file or delete unnecessary CCs, solicitations.
Resist the temptation of easy low priority emails that may give you an immediate sense of accomplishment but really put you further behind.
Use your positive holiday energy to boost your productivity. Don’t wear yourself out with long hours and taking work home. Returning the next day fresh and clear will keep your momentum strong.
Put the details into perspective by remembering the bigger picture and what really matters in your role.
Originally published in The Province, September 8, 2013.
