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