E. Hamer Associates, Ltd.
career in motion banner

Career Pointers Archives

Don't want to be a manager? Good! Management doesn't think you can be, anyway

Reading J.T.’s post reminded me of the 1937 quote from Eleanor Roosevelt: "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." What this means in the workplace, in my opinion, is that you always have a choice as to how you are perceived. You can decide how to respond to negative stereotypes, how to behave when people disrespect you, and how to change the minds of corporate skeptics. This is true for management and employees alike; and doing nothing to correct the wrong impressions is a decision, too.

The often-mentioned “sense of entitlement” is one of the main “beefs” my executive coaching clients bring up when they talk about their staff’s attitudes. While this may be in part a generational thing, it is common knowledge that “a sense of entitlement” is the source of a lot of whining in the workplace. “I put in my time, now I should get the promotion” or “How come so-and-so got into that choice project, instead of me? Management screwed up again”.

The North American workplace, by and large, is a meritocracy. If you do your job well, exceed expectations, are pleasant to be around, have a positive work ethic, and can be relied upon to help your co-workers, chances are that your efforts will be recognized. You can accelerate that process by conducting a strategic Internal PR campaign, but it starts with your attitude. Nobody “owes” you anything, not even a job. So if you want to keep the job, start thinking about what you’re doing to earn it. I wrote a post about this not so long ago, and just recently updated it: click here to read it.

Last updated on May 19, 2009 at 02:23 PM
Category: Career Marketing Career Strategies
10 comments | Leave a comment (must be logged in)

Comments:

Management is one of the toughest work in any organization. It need lot more skills to manage effectively.

Geothermal Energy

By antonjackson on 2012 02 01

Comments:

Management is a not an easy task to perform,it requires lot of qualities to become a good Manager.

truck loads

By markkelly on 2012 02 27

Comments:

Management is not the forte of anyone or it cannot be handled by anyone. It is quite tough to be done and managed!

watch winder

By rudyayress on 2012 03 27

Comments:

Always distinguish yourself in ways that come to the attention of decision-making folks.

oil portraits

By madisonbrock on 2012 04 12

Comments:

Awesome entry! Just find out this site and this very good piece of info what I was looking for a long time. Thanks man and keep it always. smilesmile
Laptop computers

By lucynody on 2012 04 22

Page 2 of 2 pages  <  1 2

Comment Entry:

Remember my personal information

Notify me of follow-up comments?

Please enter the word you see in the image below:


 

© 2008 E. Hamer Associates, Ltd.   Home | Contact | Privacy | Legal