I was a financial data analyst for almost twenty years, manipulating data, finding patterns and drawing some conclusions. I’d present my findings to my managers or counterparts and let them decide what to do with the information. Like most Asians working for Corporate America, I was pretty comfortable hiding behind the computer monitor and not being bothered by corporate politics. Then I was promoted to lead a team of analysts. It was somewhat out of my comfort zone, but my direct reports were technically oriented like me and we understood one another. Being a people person, it wasn’t too difficult to step into the leadership position. I’d have been complacent staying there if the reorganization didn’t happen.
Reorgs typically leave behind some unfortunate victims. In my case, it was a wounded ego. My box in the org chart was eliminated, my team dissolved although I was still on the payroll. Three months later, I reemerged as the Training & Development Leader for Analytics. This role is a highly visible and requires a new level of communication and leadership skills. I was lucky to have an senior level manager who was willing to invest in my career development. He would work with me on the pitches, provide candid feedback, and back me up when I presented to his boss, HR or Senior Leadership teams. He resigned last summer. As a result, I lost my advisor, sounding board and was left to navigate Corporate America on my own.
The months following his departure wasn’t easy for me, a rookie. The first time I brought my plan to the HR head on my own was a disaster. She chewed me out in front of the others because “It is poorly put together, a waste of time!” Right after the meeting, I immediately headed to the gym to recollect myself. As the strong emotion was subsiding, I decided that I wasn’t going to quit because I liked working and my job. Taking the advice from my mentor and former bosses, I set up a one-on-one with the mean lady, asking for her feedback on my leadership development needs. I listened patiently without defending myself and thanked her for her honesty. We had a constructive discussion. She even apologized for the way she treated me. It felt good, but I knew things wouldn’t be rosy until I could prove to her and myself that I was able to think independently, present influentially and be her worthy strategic partner. I had the work cut out for me.
Dancing offered the relief needed from my work stress. The funny thing is my instructor Kyle was pumping me up to be more assertive. “Linda, when we are on the dance floor, all eyes are you! Show them who the boss is, what you are made of, show them some attitude! Come on, you can do it!” Whenever I have an important presentation to make, no matter how jittery I feel, I announce to myself “Show time!” It prompts me to take a deep breath, walk to the ‘podium’ with my chin up, shoulders relaxed and ready to shine.
The moment of truth came yesterday afternoon when I had to present the 2019 Training and Recruitment Plan to the same HR head. To ensure that it would be a success rather than another disaster, I did my homework. I connected with the senior leaders in the organization to get their input; I shared the draft plan with whoever is willing to listen, and every time I spoke, I got more clarity; I sent out survey to the whole organization, seeking feedback on what was working and not working; I scheduled regular one-on-one with the HR lady’s assistant to get her buy-in as I was building the plan. Before the presentation, I reviewed my slides carefully to determine what story I wanted to convey and eliminated any unnecessary details only dear to me. I made sure my action plan was supported by facts and data. I talked for an hour, addressing her questions from time to time, and pausing several times to acknowledge her compliments. She said it was well thought out and well done. I’ve turned the tide!
Corporate America view Asians as quiet intelligent hard workers but not leaders. In leaders they favor those who are outspoken, strategic, decisive, political and tough. True Leaders offer solutions instead of just presenting problems. My mentor once said to me blatantly, “Linda, you are a woman, a petite woman, an Asian petite woman, so naturally your voice is small. You’ll have to force yourself to be heard.” Today I am speaking (still softly) and I feel I am being heard!