FaithRalston.com

Dear Dr. Faith,

I have been a manager for 18 years. My department is flawless. We meet our goals. Morale is high and we receive high marks from customers. I'm pleased with the progress we've made. Now I'd like to move on. But every time there's an opening, someone else gets the job - usually a young man on his way to better things. I'm really discouraged. What do I have to do to get noticed? I like my job but I don't want to stay here forever!

Dear Want a Promotion,

The squeaky wheel gets noticed. It's possible your expertise is being taken for granted. Start letting others know you want to move up. Begin interviewing - inside your company and else where. Talk about what you've achieved. Toot your horn! Ask for candid feedback on what you need to do to get promoted. Seek this feedback from a variety of sources.

At a certain point in management, you've got to have more than technical expertise to move up. Consider these questions: Are you visible outside your department? Do you work effectively across functional boundaries? And how well do you influence up? Find out what you need to do to succeed, give it a reasonable amount of time, and move on if it doesn't happen.

Dear Dr. Faith,

I'm a female manager in a pre dominantly male field. I enjoy the guys and we work well together. But lately I notice that several of my colleagues are getting together after work and I'm never invited. I feel left out. What can I do?

Dear "Outnumbered,'

Dear Dr. Faith,

I've taken a new job and it's overwhelming. Right now I'm struggling to raise two children. My husband is gone a long on business trips. And there's no time for me. Some days I just want to quit! Help.

Dear ‘Want to Quit,'

No matter what, take some time each day for yourself. Go for a walk. Talk to a friend. You can't give to others unless you're giving to yourself. Life is short. Find a way to treat yourself.

Ask yourself these questions every day...

What do I think, feel, want, and need? What are my special gifts and talents?

How can the world benefit from my talents? What do I really want to do?

Listen to yourself, discover what motivates you and take action.