Promotion decision: What role should attitude play?

By Raymond Dreyfack -- Plant Engineering, 7/1/1998

"Attitude," says author Alfred Montapert, "is more important than aptitude."

Maintenance Foreman Louis Creskin agrees. It was his basis for bypassing Harvey Scheer for advancement to a senior troubleshooter's job.

From the standpoint of experience and seniority, Scheer was a leading contender. But in Creskin's opinion, he fell short in the responsibility and cooperation department. As he told his assistant, "I won't promote a man I don't trust or respect to a key job."

When Scheer learned he was being bypassed he stirred up a storm. "I'm a senior man with 10-yr experience. No one in the department is better qualified."

"Maybe so. But your attitude doesn't measure up. This is a key job. It calls for a person with a strong sense of responsibility."

"I'm as responsible as anyone," Scheer insisted. "I should at least be given a chance."

"Shape up and maybe your chance will come the next time around."

Scheer was unwilling to wait. He threatened to sue.

Question: Should Scheer have been given a crack at the job?

Craig's verdict: "Your rationale makes sense," Plant Engineer Roy Craig told Creskin, "but I would give him a chance nonetheless for two reasons. One: An opportunity like this could motivate him to measure up. Two: While published company policy on promotion stresses qualification, it doesn't specify attitude as a qualifying ingredient. If Scheer's attitude proves a deterrent, he can be downgraded."

Please note: This case underscores the importance of defining qualification to include attitude in published policy statements.