Minority Career News
January - March 1999
Promotion Quotient
By Renee Stallworth
Are you one of many dedicated employees who have been passed over numerous times
when promotion opportunities are available? Do you think that the next one is yours
because your job performance is good, you're a team player, and you get along well with
co-workers? If this describes you, then maybe there are other factors that may influence
the decision-making process. Of course, if you happen to be classified as a minority, then
discrimination is a possible factor. However, if others of similar backgrounds have
received promotions, then use the hypothetical situations below to determine your
promotion quotient (what have you done for the people above you lately?). It is
important to be honest with yourself as you respond to each situation.
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Your child has a special event scheduled during the day, and you have used all
your personal days. Would you just call in sick, or talk with your boss and
offer a solution?
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You have a knack for working "smart" not "hard." When you have free time,
do you offer to help others, or ask for additional responsibilities, or do you
just goof off until it is time to leave?
-
Deadlines are important to your boss. Do you meet them consistently, or wait
until the day before something is due to inform your boss of problems, or ask
for help?
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A major project must be completed by tomorrow for one of the company's
loyal customers. Would you offer to help, or offer justification for leaving at
your regular time?
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You have been assigned a major project to work on independently, but you are
clueless as to where to begin? Would you admit that you need help, and ask
for it, or would you stonewall until cornered?
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You become aware of a customer's dissatisfaction during a social function.
Would you forward the information to the appropriate department, or simply
shrug it off, and say that you don't get paid enough to deal with the situation?
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You have a project progress report to make to your boss. The information you
have is not favorable. Would you report the facts, and offer strategies for
improvement, or would you report what the boss wants to hear, and hope that
everything will work out in the end?
-
You overheard some unfavorable gossip about a co-worker. Would you
repeat it at every opportunity, or keep it to yourself?
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You carry a heavy workload, and you rarely take a full lunch break Would
you simply complain, or schedule time with you boss to discuss the situation?
-
Your boss has just announced changes in the department that will take effect
immediately. Would you voice opposition to the changes, or reserve your
opinion until after the changes have been implemented?
After you have honestly responded to all of the situations above, draw your own
conclusion. Based on your responses, would you promote yourself if you were the boss?
If your answer is yes, then your promotion quotient is very high, and you deserve an
environment where your contributions are recognized and rewarded.
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