He made it to Head Porter but now his career has stalled. Our expert advises on how to get it going again.
The issue
I started off as a Kitchen Porter, then moved to Front of House Porter. I'm now Head Porter.
I'm doing a supervisor's job and my manager has been telling me for the past six months that I will move on and up, but nothing is happening. When I mention it to him he says that I'm good at what I do and the company has had letters from customers thanking me.
What should I do?
Expert answer
Steve Nunes, managing director catering at Blue Arrow, replies:
I assume that being under the influence of alcohol constituted gross misconduct in your last organisation and that is why you were dismissed.
The issue, then, is that clearly you broke an important rule. Any future employer is likely to be concerned about how you will adhere to their rules and standards.
The fact that you've already been recognised as successful by management and customers alike is a real positive.
Take action
First, decide on the career direction that you would like to pursue and identify what skills and experience are needed.
- Ask to talk with your manager ? at your next appraisal would be an ideal time ? and find out what opportunities for advancement the company can offer. Identify any training they can provide and agree on a realistic timescale for things to happen.
- Work with management towards finding a replacement for yourself. Try documenting what makes you good, then set about coaching and developing those skills in a potential successor.
- Initiate a development plan for your own team. Agree how progress will be measured and at what point it might become viable for you to be free to concentrate on your next step. This should satisfy your employer and be popular with your team, as well as standing you in good stead for the future.