The fight is on.
The preparations have been ongoing for months.
Every contender has been on a complete charm offensive for the past year, exercising their prowess and flexing their vernacular. Beads of sweat popping along their brow from pumping well-honed consulting muscles and working the power networker plate. These are the thoroughbreds of the organisation, the individuals for whom no glass ceilings exist, the über performers for whom the sky is not the limit, just an interim objective.
Yes – these are the 2013 promotion candidates
The line up is full of the usual suspects
The Aviator, a la Howard Hughes, who is so adept at adopting the characteristics of a much higher grade that many assume that they are already at the next level.
TNC Verdict: A powerful all round performer. May risk backlash from adorers who feel cheated. Potential for moderate insanity and hirsutism
The Pretender, who has identified some of the behaviours of an individual operating at their aspired grade and mimics them with gusto. However when pushed, direct eye contact is significantly reduced and they often start to display some babbling chou chou traits to avert attention from areas where they are less adept at pretence.
TNC Verdict: Operates well in front of an audience but may falter back stage in one to one situations. Risk of total identity loss.
The (ventriloquist) Dummy or the Orville, who is vigorously coached with a complete script of actions and behaviours that will get them through to the next level, but often falls flat when the proverbial hand is removed
TNC Verdict: Performs well within predefined parameters. High risk of post win deflation, dependency issues and regression
The Protégé(e) who is nurtured in the image of their patron. It is their destiny to follow in their master’s footsteps and any deviation may result in complete ostracism and ultimately, their bloody demise.
TNC Verdict: Performs well under pressure (and a watchful eye) – may possess a nervous disposition
Finally, the ‘also ran’ who is in the race every year hoping to be rewarded for their commitment to taking part.
TNC Verdict: A perennially optimistic candidate and a consistent performer who, to the chagrin of the other candidates, WILL eventually be rewarded
So look out for these exceptional performers in your organisation. Feverishly checking for HR announcements and fishing madly amongst partners to get a clue of the outcome. For now, whatever detritus you may wish to throw at them be assured that it will be handled in the most professional way possible without a hint of aggression or fear of reprisal. Their super human resilience to your taunts and challenges will make you an avid supporter of their claim for stardom in the company.
However, as much fun as it is to push these Olympians of the consulting world to their limits when they are at their most vulnerable, the announcements are imminent and whatever the outcome – what goes around comes around….ten-fold. Be warned.
The Nice Consultant 