Thursday, September 18, 1997

Thursday, September 18, 1997

Thursday, September 18, 1997

How to make your boss listen

By MARVIN WALBERG / Scripps Howard News Service

Dear Mr. Walberg: I have a frustrating problem. I have worked for my company for five years and am considered a leader in my branch. My annual revenues have been excellent. My problem is that I want to contribute more to my company, and it's like no one hears me.

I've shared my ideas and desires with my immediate supervisor, his boss, our local manager, the division manager and regional manager. They are receptive to my ideas and seem to believe that I have more to offer. But nothing ever happens.

What do you feel I should do now? Should I continue my self-promotion within my company, or begin to look for a more receptive company? --C.M., Columbus, OH

Dear. C.M.: There is an old theatrical saying that goes something like this:

You must speak your lines loudly: Project your voice strongly, or the folks on the back row won't hear what you've rehearsed.

Is there perhaps anyone on the back row who hasn't heard what you've got to say? You've apparently covered your bases well, but there must be someone higher than the regional manager; possibly a president or a chief executive officer.

I see nothing wrong with going to the top, as long as you stay on the same topic of conversation. And it might not hurt to let your local management know what you're doing.

In writing this all important letter, I would do the following:

-- Keep your letter brief and specific. Clearly communicate what you are prepared to do.

-- Include any background data that you feel help sell your story, but keep the data simple and brief.

-- Check and then double check for any grammatical or spelling errors. Make this letter perfect.

-- Keep a copy for yourself and forward copies to your local managers.

While a successful actor may be happy with his present role, he will always look ahead for his next opportunity. Should you begin looking for another job? It never hurts to see what's out there at the same time you're working to move your present situation forward.

In today's ever-changing workplace we must be responsible for our own careers and our own security.

(Marvin Walberg is a Birmingham job search consultant and the author of a book, "About Getting Hired: the Job Search." Readers with questions for Getting Hired may send them to P.O. Box 130757, Birmingham, Ala.)