Quiz: Are You A Scene-Stealer?
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We all know the type: the girl who’s always the center of attention and rarely lets others contribute—unless by doing so she can advance her own career and social standing. So, where do you fall on the scene-stealing spectrum? Take this quiz to find out.
1. Your co-worker is buzzing about her trip to London. Frankly, you’re a little sick of hearing about all the castles she visited and the four-star hotels that Daddy paid for, so you:
a. Let her ramble on as you secretly pray that she picked up mad cow disease (you just want her to stop talking, but you wouldn’t wish her dead).
b. Listen politely for a few minutes, then excuse yourself to make a Starbucks run.
c. One-up her by bragging about your trip to Paris last summer. Those French restaurants could trump London’s cuisine any day!
2. HR needs volunteers to pose for recruitment materials. You:
a. Make a beeline for the ladies’ room. You’d sooner drink Wite-Out than have your photo featured on a company brochure.
b. Check your schedule to make sure the photo shoot doesn’t conflict with any important meetings, then add your name to the list.
c. Volunteer immediately. You love being in the spotlight!
3. Your intern compiled a list of potential client leads on her own, and you get an e-mail from a higher-up saying she’s very pleased with your list (no mention of your intern). You e-mail her back saying:
a. “Actually, that was my intern Sarah’s work. I didn’t really have much to do with that.”
b. “I’m so glad it was helpful. My intern Sarah has been doing great work all semester. We hired a real go-getter!”
c. “Always happy to bring in new business. Any chance I could join the meeting with Firm X?”
4. At lunchtime, you can be found:
a. Eating at your desk so you can catch up on e-mail.
b. Chatting with some co-workers over sushi, then running back to your desk to prep for a meeting.
c. Entertaining your office-mates with stories about your weekend in Vegas.
5. Your boss asks who you think should get the MVP award for the quarter. You know your colleague Zoe really deserves it, but you’re a little worried she might get assigned to the project you’re secretly eying. You nominate:
a. Zoe. She’s been putting in a ton of overtime lately, so she’s the obvious choice.
b. Zoe. It’s good to align with someone who’s a hard worker, and maybe she’ll help you get what you want if you help her get MVP.
c. Judith. No way are you supporting a potential rival!
6. You’re at a networking event with a high-powered female exec you’d like to meet. What’s your strategy?
a. Wait politely until all the other attendees have had a chance to greet her first, then introduce yourself.
b. Position yourself so that she’ll make eye contact, then compliment her on her Chanel suit and mention how much you admire her work.
c. March right up to her and hand her your business card. You’re an up-and-comer, so in 10 years you could be her boss!
7. When it’s time to make a big presentation, you’re the one:
a. Manning the lights and making sure everyone has a copy of the handouts.
b. Greeting everyone at the door and chiming in with suggestions when it’s appropriate.
c. Standing front and center with your laser pointer, outlining all of your team’s ideas.
8. You and your cube-mate have been working really hard on new product ideas. When the VP announces that he loves her ideas and decides to promote her to Director of Development, you:
a. Congratulate her. Even though it was a joint effort, she’s been with the company longer, so you figure she probably deserves it more.
b. Mention to your boss that you’re delighted that the project went over so well and that you’d love to discuss other ways you can contribute to the department.
c. Storm into the VP’s office and demand that he name you Director of Development instead. After all, you did most of the work and came up with that prototype he liked so much!
Mostly A’s: Shrinking Violet
You prefer to work behind the scenes and let others take credit for your work. While it’s great that you’re such a team player, when you have a great idea, it’s okay to accept praise for it. Everyone deserves their own moment to shine.
Mostly B’s: Best Supporting Actress
You know how to give and take, and you work well in groups. Keep up the good work, but remember to walk that fine line of office behavior. You don’t want to be perceived as a pushover by letting others take credit, or as Little Miss Pushypants if you demand all the attention. Better to choose your battles—get the recognition you deserve on the projects that are important to you, and spread around the credit the rest of the time.
Mostly C’s: Credit-Craving Diva
You’re a natural leader and a great public speaker, but you don’t always give credit where it’s due. Time to let others shine once in a while. After all, you never know when that person you screwed over today is going to be your boss tomorrow.