Passed Over for a Promotion
Based on all measurements and metrics, Sally knew that she deserved the nod to a managerial opening. She did not get the promotion.
In working with her, we discovered that her definition of success was mainly about the tasks. She never missed a deadline, her results exceeded expectations consistently, her input was well prepared, valued and used. We also discovered that she arrived early, work through lunch, and rarely attended company or industry events. The person who was awarded the promotion not only delivered a good work product, but had built strong relationships within and without the department.
We worked with Sally on developing a relationship strategy. She realized that it wasn’t just her work that was being evaluated. Although friendly and affable, few people in her company knew her that way. We developed a network building strategy that included inviting at least one person to coffee or lunch each week, and trying to avoid talking business at those times.
While she had incorrectly assumed that everyone would recognize her work product for what it was, she developed a new perspective on advancing the whole picture of her not only as a worker, but as an approachable, involved person. Yes, she did get the next promotion, and it was for an even better job, and in less than a year!
Tired of the Winters
Jim was a highly regarded Emergency Room Nurse in Michigan. He loved his job, but has always dreamt of being in the South, specifically South Carolina. He was single and free to move. His unhappiness with where he lived grew very strong, to the point that he did not enjoy the job he felt so positive about previously.
Jim hired me as a coach to help him decide whether to move or whether to just decide to stay in Michigan. Through a series of diagnostics and deep discussions, Jim came up with a plan that would help him separate fact from fear. These included questions such as:
- Where would I live in South Carolina?
- Can I afford to live there?
- Will I be able to get a similar job?
- Do I need to get my masters degree in nursing?
- Will the pay be equal or better?
Among the strategies Jim employed was to make a several visits to the various cities in South Carolina, to research job openings in the various health systems in the state, and to talk to recruiters in that state.
In four months, Jim moved to Columbia, South Carolina, into a job that wasn’t exactly what he had dreamed, but with higher pay, and excellent upward mobility potential.
