Page 251 - The Administrator - A Startling True Story of Politics and Deception_Neat

THE ADMINISTRATOR | 239

In the preceding chapter, The Moment (I Identify) it’s a Situation of FOBO,
you read about Calvin the Accountant, with over twenty years' hands-on experience
in accounting, but chose -- on numerous occasions -- not to seek promotion for an
accounting manager position because he was comfortable with where he was as a

staff accountant. Sadly, Calvin is not alone; there are too many talented and skilled
professionals who are stuck in some dead-end jobs but are afraid to take the
necessary step(s) to make appropriate changes -- relating to career growth and
advancement opportunities. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Hence, many are

contented with doing the same thing -- simply getting by at work --- rather than
aspiring to greater things, and greater rewards.

Everything in life has an element of risk. That’s a given: whether we know it

or not; and whether we like it or not. Risk, as defined by The American Heritage
Dictionary, course involving uncertain danger; hazard. Simply put, risk is the
possibility of loss. In the absence of ‘risk,’ it would be guaranteed. True, there’s a
difference between a calculated risk and a reckless risk. A calculated risk -- as an

illustration -- is Calvin doing due diligence prior to applying for the accounting
manager position. He needs to take a self-inventory -- answering these questions:
Who are you; do you understand the position; and what assets are you bringing to
the position? This is your opportunity to communicate how your talent and skill sets

would be an asset to the organization. Yes, the decision maker(s) has(have) an
inclination of who you are -- having been employed with the organization for a year,
two or three; but don’t allow that advantage of being an insider deter you from

preparing and communicating your talent and skill sets.

While many shy away from taking risk; however, the greater the risk, the
bigger the reward. As espoused by Dr. Stacia Pierce, if you ever want to achieve the
life you’ve always dreamed of, you’ll have to start taking positive, calculated
risks. It is necessary to take chances to achieve anything great in life; however,