Being In Chargewhen I was conducting that training in Paduka, Jimmie Szekely insisted I had to be behind the recent curs in the

company $401K$ match. I mean, does he really think that I, as the corporare director of productivity, have that rype of

power? I haven't ever even seen a copy of The Company's full budget and they sure as hell didn't ask me if I thought

we should cut the match by $1\%.$ Besides, its $1\%$ anyway, does it make that big a difference? And don't they realize we

are one of the only companies left out there that cover all insurance premiums?"

"There you go Mr$.$ VP$!"$ chided lesley. $"$As $1$ say, you are a narural erecutive."

"Whatever the hell you say there Ms$.$ ClO," shot back Stan. "I aw your presentation at the strategic planning

mecting. $1$ am sure your direct reports would love to know that yon see $315\%$ gmwth potential in the lending

division over the next year and you believe that growth ean be achieved with current staffing levels."

"Shut up$"$ Lesley commanded. "You know what you have to say in thoce damn meetings to get the resources you

need. You project growth, deliver growth with yout current resources, and then possibly they reward you."

"Yeah, $1$ know what you mean," groaned Stan. "You remember Scott who was best man at my wedding?"

"How could $1$ forget him," laughed Lesley. $"$He tried to hit on all the single women at the reception."

$"$He was just being friendly," said Stan with a hint of sarcasm. "Anyway, I talked to him yesterday. He owns that taco

shop he used to run now and lives $2$ blocks away in the same house he has owned since we were roommates in college.

He just married a school teacher and they are expecting their first child in August. I know running a small business is

hard, but he seems so happy every time I chat with him. The Company has been very good to me$,$ but I just wonder

sometimes if it's all worth it$."$

"Funny you mention that," Lesley said in a hushed and confidential tone. "I have saved lots of money over the last five

years and I always have had the dream of starting my own corporate retreat lodge in Montana. I actually am thinking

of purchasing an old log building in the Paradise Vallcy. My friend from high school lives out there and sells real estate

and called me yesterday to tell me about the crazy low price the property is selling for $..."$

"Would you really leave The Company to follow a dream across the country?" cut in Stan.

"Not yet," Lesley responded quiedly. "I still have kids in school. But, if I don't have my dreams, what do I have?"

What is going on here? Why would Lesley and Stan, who have worked their butts off for $15$ years to move up in The

Company, really be acting like they are not interested in possible promotions to the executive level?

While reasons abound and may be different for every person considering such a jump up the ladder, managerial

cxperience teaches most of us that while executive positions have their benefits, they have many downsides. As entry$-$

level professionals, nearly all of us want to move up$.$ However, after a few promotions, the Stanleys and Lesleys of

the world start to realize that it's lonely at the top, that there's no longer anyone to blame, and that other aspects of

a person's life are often sacrificed to get to the top. As such, the farther one moves up in a large, successful company,

the more attractive owning a small business in a small town may become.

So$,$ is a promotion to the executive level worth it$?$ Why or why not?

Discussion Questions

Is promotion to the executive level worth it$?$ Why or why not?

What are the downsides to possessing high levels of formal power? What are the upsides of an executive position?

What are the chances that Lesley would leave her highly paid corporate job to start, say, a retreat lodge in

Montana? And what are the chances that Stanley would be happy as a restaurant owner in a small college town?

Why do highly competent people like Stan and Leslcy pretend not to be interested in their next promotion even

though they likely are interested?

$190$

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