Taking precautions with promotions

Taking precautions with promotions

JAKARTA (JP): When Andri (not his real name) was invited to
lunch by some executives of a large multinational firm, he was
happy. 'Hopefully, a business deal will be the result', he
thought. But his happiness turned into excitement when he was
offered a job in that company. He would receive twice as much
salary and a car. Not just a car, but a brand-new Mercedes-Benz.
When he paused to digest the offer, they probably thought he was
going to turn down the deal and offered him a housing allowance
as well.

He was in a state of euphoria when he reached home and told
his wife (let's call her "Yvonne") about his new position, which
would start after he resigned from his present job. In the
meantime, he designed a strategy to be able to cope with his
future. They both should enroll in a personality training course,
so they would know how to behave in higher circles. They would
learn which fork and knife to take at a dinner table, how to
dress and what hairstyles would suit them best.

Yvonne also discussed with Andri whether or not it was
necessary for her to go to a slimming center because, although
she was not overweight, it would probably be better if she kept
her figure trim so she could wear those expensive dresses
available in the boutiques. They concluded that it was far better
for them both to enroll in a fitness center and to stay slim by
taking some dancing classes, in order to keep up with the trends
in the high society.

Having decided that, it was time to focus on the children as
well. Although they would not undergo immediate changes, after
the school holidays, they would be transferred to a school
exclusively for elite children.

Andri's first few days in the office were good ones. He felt
comfortable in his new Hugo Boss suit and colorful designer tie,
which were chosen by his wife. He noticed the looks of
appreciation from his boss as well as the approving nods from his
staff, which added to his self-confidence.

When work started, Andri was excited because he could impress
the whole office with his wise decisions and good management. The
board of directors was pleased that they managed to "pirate" him
from his former job. Andri and Yvonne both adjusted well to their
new way of life and soon became accepted in the higher circles.

But before long, there was a change. It was the same old song
again, the song of T(he) O(ther) W(oman). He met her at the golf
course and they played a game together. The next day, she called
him and suggested that they have high tea together. After all, it
was a waste of time to go home during rush hour, especially if he
had to go back again for a meeting in the evening. There were
more golf games and more high teas, and then they started to play
other games.

The wives of friends and colleagues who had envied Andri's
rise in status were most happy that they had something to gossip
about, and Yvonne soon knew about it. Friends advised her to
divorce and, on an impulse, she did threaten Andri. However, she
soon realized that was not the solution. After their divorce, the
other woman would be in her place and she would have to look for
a husband who could provide her with the same status, which would
not be easy. So she decided to drag him to a marriage counselor
instead. Luckily, they came to their senses after a few
consultations and lived happily ever after.

The moral of the story? Well, if there has to be one, it is
this: In preparing yourself to become a top manager, never forget
to learn how to take precautions to keep the TOW at bay.

-- Myra Sidharta