Calculators and Evaluators Calculate. Evaluate. Interact. Interpersonal Skills The reasons why a fast-tracker suddenly derails are often evident to everyone except that person. To help you determine whether your career is in danger, Michael Kaplan in FastCompany magazine, issue 24 page 224, adapted a "Derailment Inventory" from Lois P. Frankel's book: Jump-Start Your Career. Use the scale below to answer the questions that follow. Each set of questions gauges your abilities in one of three areas: working with co-workers, working with authority, and networking. 1 = Describes me exactly 2 = Describes me 3 = Somewhat describes me 4 = Does not describe me Name Business Email 1. Other people describe me as a real "people person" 1 2 3 4 2. I spend a part of each day making small talk with coworkers. 1 2 3 4 3. I see some of my coworkers outside of work, and I know most of them socially and not just professionally. 1 2 3 4 4. Because I have good work relationships, I often succeed where others fail. 1 2 3 4 5. I do not have an inordinate need for everyone to like me. 1 2 3 4 WORKING WITH AUTHORITY 6. When I have a good reason for doing so, I can express a view that differs from that of my company's senior team. 1 2 3 4 7. If I see a senior leader making a decision that seems harmful to my company, I speak up. 1 2 3 4 8. People see me as someone who can independently assess an executive decision and, when appropriate, offer an alternative perspective. 1 2 3 4 9. When senior people ask for my opinion, they know that I'll respond to them with candour. 1 2 3 4 10. I believe that it's more important to be honest with senior leaders than to placate them. 1 2 3 4 NETWORKING 11. I spend at least a part of each week networking with colleagues. 1 2 3 4 12. I belong to professional organisations and know other members of them. 1 2 3 4 13. A few times each month, I am invited to join key members of my team or my organisation for lunch. 1 2 3 4 14. I'm fairly well connected to my company's grapevine. 1 2 3 4 15. I regularly interact with peers in other divisions and at other companies. 1 2 3 4 Time's up
