Your observation is on the mark, Joyce. Sometime back I was talking to someone from one of the Chambers of Commerce about the issues that young graduates were having finding jobs and she mentioned that most graduates were not skilled for the market place not because of the quality of their education but the lack of presence and other skills that weren’t taught at an individual level. For sure training companies make a killing in workshops for middle to senior executives but the entry level workforce needs it as well. Another reason to invest in a good coach or mentor who’s equally invested in their success.

The pain and disappointment at losing out when we’ve done all the right things cannot be described, Vanita. Only those who’ve been through it fully understand what it does to our confidence and sense of alignment of values with our organization. I’m delighted you used your situation to reassess what you really wanted and pursued a position which will be more fulfilling for your career aspirations. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

I love the disclaimer preface, Marquita. 🙂

Yet, you exude Gravitas and Executive Presence in your writings and work and I’m sure these elements helped with the career progression job changes and now with your own business. The path of career progression that you described happens in smaller countries and regions because of the lack of organic growth. Even then, Gravitas is important for successful moves.

Absolutely, Julie, exuding confidence and all the core qualities that go into our clients and employers perceiving gravitas is essential for progressive success. Thanks for sharing your perspective, it is a precious contribution to the discussion.

In Hawaii, particularly on the neighbor islands where I lived, most companies are very small which means promotional opportunities are few and far between so if you want to increase your pay and or status, you have to be willing to move around, that’s just the way it is. I was never a job hopper, but I was always on the look out for the next step up and eventually out of working for other people altogether.

The points in this post apply to self-employed professionals too, Sue. Spot on!

In studies about Executive Presence and Gravitas, the women professional have often come short of their male colleagues. It’s time for us to stand and shine in our own sovereign right!

Thanks Tamuria. I hope your friends benefit from this post. There is nothing more frustrating than doing the work and keeping up your end of the bargain and yet not getting the promotion or being given obtuse explanations.