CAN I GET AHEAD BY STAYING PUT?

QUESTION:
I've devoted quite a bit of time in the past year and a half developing 
a great working relationship with my COO in anticipation of molding a 
new position within the company. I've been promoted twice.

But the COO has now been demoted, and someone I used to work with has 
been moved above me. I remember his managing style, and I'm very 
uncomfortable about the lack of possibilities that may present 
themselves.

The crux of my dilemma is that I really enjoy the people working here, 
but I fear that I'm going to be stuck in my current position. Should I 
forge ahead, even though advancement may take longer than I believe I 
deserve? Or should I throw down the glove and make demands, with the 
expectation to be looking for a new job in the near future?

REPLY:
You're prejudging this new manager. You may think you know him, but 
until you give him a chance, you have no idea how well the two of you 
can work together.

Why not just keep working and acting the way you did with your old COO? 
That's the best way to influence the new guy: Show him that your 
expectations (and your behavior and performance) haven't changed. 
You've got to give before you get.

In this case, you've got to keep giving at the same level you did with 
the old COO. If the new guy doesn't recognize your value, then it may 
be time to move on. But I wouldn't throw in the towel.

Your attitude is critical during this transition. It might help to 
polish up your understanding of how you add profit to the business. I 
would sit down with him early and ask him how he sees the operations 
contributing to the company's overall profitability. Drill down to your 
own job and discuss how you've been contributing. Then pose the big 
question: How can we work together to optimize our success?

Don't blame the new guy for something that hasn't happened. Work to 
make it good. A lot will depend on you.

Best, 
Nick Corcodilos 
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