Sam spoke to both the VP’s he had targeted during the three day planning meeting in Orlando. He was able to tell them exactly what was happening in his department.  There was no doubt he had impressed them with his knowledge of the company, and how he handled his troops.

When Sam got to the airport, he called his wife, Joanne. She asked him about his trip.  Sam smiled,  “I nailed it.”  Joanne smiled and asked for the details.

Meanwhile, the two VP’s were sitting on a plane together comparing notes. 

The Self-Centered Leader is an OxyMORON

VP #1:  Did you get cornered by Sam?

VP #2:  You mean “Sam I am!”  Yes!  Do you think he likes himself much?

VP#1:  My concern is his people.  They have to see through him.  I think the guy would sell his mom for a promotion.

VP#2:  Do you think he knows his Mom’s name?  Every sentence out of his mouth began with the word “I”.  Someone needs to tell him there are other pronouns available!

The both laughed and shook their heads.  As the flight went on, they began to compare Sam’s stories.  A common theme appeared–It was all about Sam.

What Sam Said Versus the VPs’ Reactions

Sam said:  His department runs better than others.

VP #1:  Did you hear him mention his people once?  It was as if he did all the work himself

Sam said:  His department never fails to hit its goals.

VP #2:  Again, not a word about the quality of his people.  I need to check into the turnover rate in his department.  I bet you it is high.

Sam said:  He mentored a lot of his peers.

VP #1:  Sam only offers help when others are watching.

Sam said:  He volunteered to be on multiple committees at headquarters.

VP #2:  Yeah, the committees run by people who can help him get ahead.  As much time as he spends away from his primary job, I bet very little coaching is being done when he is around.

Sam said:  He knows the CEO.

VP #1:  Did you see him jockey to get a seat at the CEO’s table the other night?  I watched him maneuver in front of the new manager, Karen, to get next to the CEO.

Sam said: He is always trying to help.

VP #2:  He talked over the top of others for 2 hours in his breakout session.  I heard one of his peers say Sam only shares when senior leaders enter the room.

Sam said:  He is liked among his peers.

VP #1:  During every break, I saw Sam by himself on his phone.  His peers seemed to hang out together and laugh a lot.

Sam said: He is loved by his team.

VP #1:  Let me know what you find out about his turnover rate.  I know I have never heard of anyone promoted out of his department.

Sam said:  He wants to be a VP someday.

VP #2:  I don’t want to sit in meetings with someone like that.  VP #3 and VP#4 warned us about Sam last year.  We need people at the top that realize they are there for the people not vice versa.

Meanwhile Back At Home

Over dinner, Sam told his wife all about the conversations he had with the two VP’s.  She loved seeing how animated he was and hearing the excitement in his voice.

Sam:  I think I made a good case for why I am a good VP candidate.

Joanne:  That’s great!  What did they say that makes you think that?

Sam:  Well they didn’t say that much.  I did most of the talking actually.  But they both nodded their heads and one said he’d be watching me!

Joanne:  Are these the same two VP’s you spoke to last year?

Sam:  No.  I picked the wrong two VP’s last year.  The two I spoke with this meeting are really the movers and shakers.  Besides it can’t hurt to have 4 VP’s with the same impression of me-can it!

The Bottom Line:

The Self-Serving Leader rarely fools anyone.  It seems ridiculous that Sam would think of himself as a leader, let alone promotable.  But, if I am truly focused solely on my needs and my desires, do I really see what others truly think of me?

A Self-Serving Leader is all about himself. He is an Oxymoronic Leader and those around him realize it even if he does not.  A Servant Leader is a Leader.  Period.  Others will realize that as well.

Question:

What is the best way for a leader with ambition to get noticed?