Bad manager
I am new to the org and have really been doing well - As my confidence picked up I suggested areas of improvement regarding a process which has been taken very positively by my Development manager. He also states that I am the type that will get a project, take it in, tear it up and go onto the next thing and he motivates by saying that I will go a long way with that attitude. He’s a cool chap. But when I was in the catch up and asking about where to progress to the manager as he asked, he just said don’t expect it in 2 x years? I want to make a really good name for myself but the issue is if I’m told in 2 years. The good thing about this company is that it helps people to reach and achieve their goals. At the end of the day I fought hard for this opportunity and I am not going to let some women in management dampen my spirits. Please offer me some suggestions, much appreciated.
Hi Lucya, Thanks for your question.
I have two pieces of advice for you on this. First, let your work continue to speak for you in the workplace and avoid playing the “what’s in it for me” game. People can see through that pretty quickly. What do I mean? I mean that nobody can predict or give you a guarantee when a possible promotion or job opportunity will come available. You don’t even know if your supervisor will be around in a year. Things change pretty quickly in the corporate environment. Look how unstable the economic components of our country are right now.
What management looks for in a potential manager/supervisor is someone who works hard, but not because they are trying to impress someone or get noticed, but because that is simply their work ethic. Trust me, keep doing the hard work you are doing and know that the cream always rises to the top. You will benefit in one way or another. Even if a promotion doesn’t come your way initially, you can look in the mirror and know that you did your best. But please, don’t do things in order to get noticed or stand out. Don’t expect something in return for hard work. Just be a hard worker and let the chips fall where they may. By “not expecting anything in return,” you demonstrate that you are the kind of person that can be counted on in good times and in bad. A reliable employee who will always be there. That is how you’ll get promoted.
Secondly, I need to be real honest with you. You need to improve your writing skills. Look at what you wrote in your letter to me. The grammar needs a lot of improvement. Please know that I’m not trying to be critical, but practical. I’m also a graduate school professor. It will be important to improve upon this if you really want to move up in the company or any other. Consider contacting the nearby community colleges or attend a Fred Pryor or SkillPath workshop on writing skills. It will be the best investment of your time and pay off in the future. See if your company will pay for you to go or go yourself. Either way, consider it. If you need more information about Fred Pryor or SkillPath, simply google either name on the internet and you can find out more about the workshops are where they will be held.
Lucya, if one of my employees asked to attend a workshop or class on writing in order to improve their skills, I’d be very supportive of that, let alone impressed. Be that person!
-Dr. Mac
