Rise Up Monday ~ “To Your Greatness!”
Why didn’t I get the promotion?
This is the most frequently asked question, I’ve been asked by staff during my tenure in the position of Warden.
A staff member requested a meeting with me in order to discuss a promotion opportunity at a different location in the agency. She wanted my advice as to whether it would be a good career move. The meeting was scheduled.
In the meeting, she began to share the details about the positions she was applying for and how she was making the best qualified list, but was not getting selected. She listed all the things she had done in the performance of her duties. She asked, Why didn’t I get promoted? What do I need to do?
I listened attentively to what she was saying to me. I commended her for her good work. Then, I shared the merit promotion board selection process with her. I told her, “clearly you’re good at what you do. There’s no doubt about it. You are also among a lot of candidates who have applied for the same position. They are also good like you. If you want to get promoted, Go GET GREAT! When you get great come back and see me!”
We both share this story. We believe it needs to be told. We also both chuckle about it today. Often sharing our varied versions of the details of that meeting.
As I listened to her that day, I knew she had skills to get out of the group with everyone else. She needed to distinguish herself and her skills. Not too long after that meeting, she was promoted. The criteria didn’t change. She excelled from doing good work to doing great work!
Chadwick Boseman said it best, “Sometimes your grade doesn’t give an indication of what your greatness might be.”
I’m one of many leaders who is very proud of her and fortunate to have had her on our teams. She’ll be retiring in a few weeks with 25 years of service, having received several promotions since that good to great meeting. She’ll be honored for her great work and dedication in her career in the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
We offer you this, when elevating performance from good to great, here are some great things to do:
1. Do the work
2. Have mentors that will tell you the truth
3. Be willing to listen
4. Be objective
5. Stay focused on what you want
6. Raise your level of performance
7. Make the necessary adjustments
8. Evaluate your growth process
9. When you make the change, witness the results of it
10. Recognize good is good and it is the enemy of great!
This young lady in the photo Tovia Knight, BA, MPA is who the story is about. She is one of my protégées. She’s been a tremendous asset to me and each team that she’s served. Undoubtedly, Tovia will do great things in her next steps going forward as she’s done in her career in the Federal Bureau of Prisons!
What does great look like, it looks like Tovia Knight.
Happy Monday To You!
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SIA Global Power 150 – Women in Staffing
3moDonnie McSherry You are one of the best in the business. You light up any room you enter and you leave indelible footprints on all that you influence. You will forever be my mentor and friend. I am excited for this next chapter on your journey. Grateful to you for your leadership ❤️