For years I lost out on interdepartmental transfers because I was seen as a “loose cannon”. This was mainly due to my focus on customer problem resolution (as opposed to following the company line).
While I eventually learned that it was in my favour to adhere to company policy, this didn’t fix customer issues – and then it turned into catch-22. When I resolved (and kept or enhanced a corporate customer), I wasn’t a “team player”. When I adhered to company guidelines, I wasn’t “creative” enough in my solutions.
Either way, I was a “loose cannon”. And NOBODY wanted anything to do with me – the higher up the manager, the lower their estimation of my ability WRT the company.
I eventually left the company and kept my dignity – and 80+% of customers followed, simply because my solutions worked for them.
There’s a fine line there somewhere, but damned if I could find it! Maybe I have “fat feet”?
