Do you ever have an event that you prepare yourself for and expect things to go one way and then they go completely the opposite? That is exactly what my day was today. I had an event that happened today that I prepared for that did not happen as I expected. I had a meeting that was supposed to take place that executives of my organization were to attend. Knowing about this meeting weeks in advance I have prepared my store for an executive visit. My store was spotless, I have had contractors in my store for weeks repairing miscellaneous things, patching old nail holes, and getting my location in 5 star condition. My paperwork was in immaculate order with no errors or inconsistencies. And I had answers pre-scripted in my head to questions I knew they would be asking. I was on point and ready to show them what I was made of and that I do indeed perform my job better than the average bear.
As I am out greeting customers and managing my sales floor I spot one of the presenters headed toward my main entrance. I opened the door for him and greeted him with a smile and a handshake as normal. He is a familiar face in my location so he is not the one I am worried about showing up. I ask how long until the others arrived, referring to the executives. At that point I was informed that they would not be joining us for our meeting.
After receiving the news I was a little disappointed. Not because I had completed so much work to prepare for the visit (that needed to be done anyway), but because I didn't get any face time with the person that would be in control of making the decision on whether or not I receive a promotion. I am not currently seeking a promotion because I feel I still have more to learn and grow from being a store manager. However, I like to make a good impressions on those higher up the ladder than myself so that when I feel I am ready it will be a quicker process. I would hate to say, "Hey, I'm ready to move up in the organization." and either get a reality check that tells me I'm not or have somebody else receive the position because they had a better relationship with the decision maker. For those that believe that they can be promoted on their merit and do not concern themselves with "getting in good" with upper management, I challenge you to reconsider your position. Although you may still be successful in your career based on your performance, your career path will be expedited if you have a good working relationship with those above you and even a few positions beyond that. I am living truth as I am in a position that most people a decade older than myself hold. I got there through hard work and being good at my job, but also by marketing the fact that I am good to those in control of my career path. Anyway, off my soap box. I'm sure I will get my desired face time with executive management and when the time comes I will be ready as I always am.
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