Career Resource Center : The final guide

 CAN YOU BOAST WITH THE BEST?   

Test your bragging savvy with the following questions:

1. Your boss just left the company for another job, and although you are far younger and less experienced than he is, you want to suggest to the CEO that you should replace him. You

  • a) Schedule a meeting with the CEO to tell him that you're assuming the responsibilities of your former boss, and start moving your files into your new office.
  • b) Send the CEO an e-mail expressing your interest in the position, listing your qualifications, but (just in case he thinks you are way out of line) ending with a few reasons he should consider you ready.
  • c) Do nothing, but secretly hope the CEO will read your mind and consider you for the job. (After all, aren't great minds supposed to think alike?)


2. In the middle of a meeting, you have an idea that you think might be helpful to the group. You
  • a) Break into the conversation, pound your fist on the table, and say, "I have a great idea...."
  • b) Wait for a lull in the conversation and murmur, "I'm not sure if this will work, but..."
  • c) Say nothing in the meeting, but mention it to one of your close colleagues, as the group is disbanding.


3. You return from a meeting with reps from an important, fast-growing customer, confident that they will continue to place large orders with your company in the short term - but aware that they are currently evaluating the products of your competitor. You leave a note for your boss saying:
  • a) "My meeting was a complete and total home run!"
  • b) "The meeting went well, but we need to monitor this relationship closely."
  • c) "Our relationship is at risk."


4. It's noon, and you have no lunch plans. You
  • a) Walk past your boss's office, pop your head in, and say, "Chow time!"
  • b) Ask your buddy in the next office if he wants to hit the cafeteria and grab a sandwich with you.
  • c) Pull out your brown paper bag and eat at your desk with all the other pitiful losers.


5. You see the CEO waiting by the elevator banks. You
  • a) Stroll up to him, (re) introduce yourself, and say, "Nice tie!"
  • b) Stroll past him, giving him a smile and a hearty "Hello, how are you?"
  • c) Avoid him altogether because he makes you nervous and you have no idea what to say to him.
Scoring:
Give yourself ten points for every (a) selection, five points for every (b) selection, and one point for every (c) selection.
  • 40-50 points: Lee Iacocca, Donald Trump, move over! You're a world-class braggart.
  • 25-40 points: You can hold your own with office chest-thumpers; hang in there.
  • Less than 25 points: You're treading water in a sea of sharks; expect to get pulled under any minute.

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