I have been trying for years now to take the next step in my career. This position would take my single store managerial excellence into multiple store supervision. A position I know I am well suited for. I am unquestionably, the best manager in the corporation (a position widely held in the corporate ranks). This is not false bravado, it has been told to me from my immediate supervisor up through the corporate ranks to VP's as well. But, as I have been told over and over, the next step is not just decided on whom the best manager in their location is.
The selection process is as following. All applicants must first meet all selection criteria (normally 15 to 20 applicants each time). The "first cut" is decided by a homework assignment, normally a written report on an in-depth analysis on a given topic. This is where I truly excel. Over the past two years, the corporation has had three openings at this level. I have passed the first cut each time. Many, many do not (normally 6 to 10 do).
Next, the first cut survivors receive an interview with high level managers, normally involving an hour long grilling on all possible topics and issues. Although nerve wracking, I make my points, give my opinions, and succeed. Out of the three times I have applied, I have been selected as a finalist all three times. The survivors are a very short list of known winners, and applicants that the questioners know can do the job. This normally comes down to 3 or 4 applicants. A very high honor to be sure. To attain this status, you are among the elite in the corporation.
The final cut survivors are invited downtown for another hour+ long grilling, based on more intense questions, questions raise from the homework assignment you have produced, and questions involving the very issues that are plaguing the corporation today. Very tough, very serious stuff. The results of the final interview, along with other performance related factors, are what decide who gets the coveted position.
In all three of my attempts, I have excelled at every level. When I attend corporate wide managers meetings, I am known throughout as a three time finalist, a member of the elite "short list" for greatness, yet I do not get the carrot. Those finalists that do not get the position receive another interview explaining exactly what they need to improve on, and why they fell short this time.
The reasoning behind my not getting the position for the third straight time is a human failing that I have. A personality flaw that I am unsure can be learned, can be developed. Hell, I am not even sure it should be a pre-requisite for the position.
I have been told (and somewhat agree) that I lack a "command presence." I lack the ethereal ability, the aura, the persona, the personal cache, if you will, to walk into a room, and have everyone there know I am the man, without saying a word. Some people definitely have it. Clinton has it, Ollie North has it, most military leaders, .......... no, most leaders have it, in some shape or fashion. Most just seem to be born with it.
And therein lies my dilemma. Can I develop that trait? Can this be taught? Obviously I was not born with it. There is no doubt that the success I have attained in 24 years with the corporation could not have been accomplished without a certain leadership style. But, I concentrate more on development, than leadership. I treat people like people, with human dignity, rather than a "human resource." Let's face it, I may just be too soft for the position. No one is going to fear me upon first glance. I am, for good or bad, the guy who can help you through, can develop your skills and performance to where they need to be to reach the expected standard. I do not do it by instilling fear. I do it with mutual self respect, and hard work. I build confidence and knowledge, I never tear down, and try to make my subordinates fear me, or hate me. This is probably a career death blow, but I have news for everyone out there, my way works. My way works, and yours does not. Fear of condemnation, fear of demotion, fear of losing your job strips at the human psyche, and is undermining. How does this work for you? It doesn't. My way works, and yours doesn't. Get over it, and redefine what makes a true leader in your eyes.
The selection process is as following. All applicants must first meet all selection criteria (normally 15 to 20 applicants each time). The "first cut" is decided by a homework assignment, normally a written report on an in-depth analysis on a given topic. This is where I truly excel. Over the past two years, the corporation has had three openings at this level. I have passed the first cut each time. Many, many do not (normally 6 to 10 do).
Next, the first cut survivors receive an interview with high level managers, normally involving an hour long grilling on all possible topics and issues. Although nerve wracking, I make my points, give my opinions, and succeed. Out of the three times I have applied, I have been selected as a finalist all three times. The survivors are a very short list of known winners, and applicants that the questioners know can do the job. This normally comes down to 3 or 4 applicants. A very high honor to be sure. To attain this status, you are among the elite in the corporation.
The final cut survivors are invited downtown for another hour+ long grilling, based on more intense questions, questions raise from the homework assignment you have produced, and questions involving the very issues that are plaguing the corporation today. Very tough, very serious stuff. The results of the final interview, along with other performance related factors, are what decide who gets the coveted position.
In all three of my attempts, I have excelled at every level. When I attend corporate wide managers meetings, I am known throughout as a three time finalist, a member of the elite "short list" for greatness, yet I do not get the carrot. Those finalists that do not get the position receive another interview explaining exactly what they need to improve on, and why they fell short this time.
The reasoning behind my not getting the position for the third straight time is a human failing that I have. A personality flaw that I am unsure can be learned, can be developed. Hell, I am not even sure it should be a pre-requisite for the position.
I have been told (and somewhat agree) that I lack a "command presence." I lack the ethereal ability, the aura, the persona, the personal cache, if you will, to walk into a room, and have everyone there know I am the man, without saying a word. Some people definitely have it. Clinton has it, Ollie North has it, most military leaders, .......... no, most leaders have it, in some shape or fashion. Most just seem to be born with it.
And therein lies my dilemma. Can I develop that trait? Can this be taught? Obviously I was not born with it. There is no doubt that the success I have attained in 24 years with the corporation could not have been accomplished without a certain leadership style. But, I concentrate more on development, than leadership. I treat people like people, with human dignity, rather than a "human resource." Let's face it, I may just be too soft for the position. No one is going to fear me upon first glance. I am, for good or bad, the guy who can help you through, can develop your skills and performance to where they need to be to reach the expected standard. I do not do it by instilling fear. I do it with mutual self respect, and hard work. I build confidence and knowledge, I never tear down, and try to make my subordinates fear me, or hate me. This is probably a career death blow, but I have news for everyone out there, my way works. My way works, and yours does not. Fear of condemnation, fear of demotion, fear of losing your job strips at the human psyche, and is undermining. How does this work for you? It doesn't. My way works, and yours doesn't. Get over it, and redefine what makes a true leader in your eyes.
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