The
excitement I had was also mixed with some concern. The position was
a year-to-year position based on federal grant funding. Over the years,
I had seen numerous professionals receive the “grant program only
managers” label. Some of the people I had seen this happen to even
had a Ph.D. Once that label is placed on a person, future job opportunities
in “non grant funded” mainstream position might not develop. Interview
committees may only see the person in their current position.
At the same time, this was the best position I had been offered since
graduating from college. The goal was to take full advantage of the
opportunity and hope for the best. It would be important to do a good
job to be considered for future promotions. At the same time, offending
long-standing employees in anyway could create serious problems. Other
“grant program managers” who had done this were stuck in their current
position.
My job title was “Coordinator of Vocational-Technical Education Targeted
Populations.” I would supervise a part time secretary and manage a
budget. Again this was a year-to-year position, depending on funding
from a federal grant. I would be working for the local community college.
This experience would allow me to gain college admissions, financial
aid and career advising job experience.
My supervisor informed me that offices for all the areas I would be
assisting students in (career advising, college admissions and financial
aid) were already on campus. These offices had their own staff members
and each office director had been doing this type of work for years.
There was some concern about why my position was even created and
what my daily duties would be. I was glad to finally get an opportunity
to be a supervisor and manage an office budget. After a few campus
meetings and my review of the organizational history and politics,
I developed the below list of goals:
1. Peacefully co-exist with the three long standing office
directors
2. Evaluate the services their office’s were providing to students
3. Offer my own services and contributions to benefit students
4. Provide quality services for students but keep a low profile
After working in this position for two years, I began to evaluate
my career advising, college admissions and financial aid duties. The
financial aid duties were the most enjoyable and career advising was
my second choice. Since I am not a “natural sales person,” college
admissions work was put at the bottom of the list. I applied for two
Assistant Director of Financial Aid jobs and was offered one of the
positions. The past eight years in the financial aid profession have
been enjoyable.
If I didn’t develop and work toward meeting the four above goals,
I might not have had the opportunity to move into a better position.
During the financial aid job interview process, I had to sale myself
and give more details about my job responsibilities. The grant program
I was running was known for providing quality services and keeping
a low profile (two of my four goals).
The numbers of staff I supervise and my office budget responsibilities
have greatly increased over the years. These experiences have required
that I continually review the effectiveness of the “leadership style
and approach” I utilize. Excellence is always my goal.
About the Author:
Kenneth McGhee is the author of Eleven Leadership Tips For Supervisors.
This book is available online at www.booksurge.com
and www.amazon.com. You may contact
Kenneth at kmcghee@niu.edu.
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| From
the Forum: |
| The number one thing it takes to make a Business work |
 What is the number one thing it takes to make a Business work?
Most people would jump up and say money, but I disagree.
I started my business with no money, but what I did have, no amount of money can buy. I had Passion, a passion to make my business a dream. ...
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By Kenneth McGhee