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This is the latest in the "Tough Problems" series. In each installment, I present two composite questions that my clients face and my response to each.
Dear Dr. Marty: A coworker and I are vying for an upcoming promotion. Truly, I am much more deserving—he talks a good game but gets so little done, let alone done well. He's being considered for the promotion only because he’s a glad-handing suck-up and because he has, let’s just say, a demographic advantage. I’ve seen people like him get promoted over more worthy candidates and that’s irked me. But it would really irk me if he got that promotion.
Marty Nemko: Yes, sometimes, non-merit factors trump, but usually they don’t. To increase your chances further, have you done these?
- Get a respected employee to champion you.
- Write a note to your boss that lists the accomplishments that would particularly motivate him or her to go to bat for you. Bolster your claim of eagerness for the promotion by suggesting one or more things you would do if promoted that would impress the decision-maker(s).
- Show your stuff. For example, be prepared to make useful contributions at meetings. If appropriate, send a draft of a work product you’re proud of to your peers and boss “for feedback.”
- Dress as you would if promoted.
Dear Dr. Marty: I’m having to make my second presentation at work. At my first, even though I was super-prepared—in fact, I wrote out and memorized my five-minute speech—I nearly fainted and did a bad job. Even though my boss made this one easier on me—it’s just a two-minute report—I’m scared to death!
Marty Nemko: No wonder you’re scared. Most people do poorly if giving a memorized talk—just a momentary distraction can throw you off. And even if you’re word perfect, a memorized talk is devoid of the crucial chemistry. If your audience wants just the words, you can send an email blast. You’re giving a talk because, done well, it’s more engaging, even compelling.
This time, just:
- List your few main points on an index card.
- Practice ad-libbing your talk, using just the index card to keep you on track. Be conversational; pretend you're talking to a friend. Record it on your phone and critique yourself.
- When you think it's pretty good, ad-lib it in front of a supportive but honest friend. Get his or her feedback.
Do that and I’ll bet you’ll do better and certainly won’t faint.
I read this aloud on YouTube.
