“Your Career Advisor” is responding this week to:

• How to deal with a short tempered boss? (h)
• Waht salary to expect for a CFM? (c)
• Are there certifications in exhibition or event management? (d)

All reasonable questions related to careers, skill development or employment related issues – sent to advisor@skill-link.com - would be addressed in this section every week.

Q1: How to deal with a short tempered boss?

Could you please advise me on how to deal with my manager, he is a short tempered man who becomes irritated and loud voiced in any discussion or argument. I do hate the loud voice.

S. S. (Greater Cairo)

Replying:

Dear Ms. S.

The workplace is a melting pot of different personality types, so it's unrealistic to expect everyone to always get along harmoniously. This however does not mean bosses or co workers should go around being constantly short tempered, moody and irritated. It might happen on a bad day, but if it is a trend then there is a problem.

Of course we should assume that you are not causing disasters at work or that you are extremely argumentative or negative to lead your manager to loose his temper. So let us say you are a normal professional. First, you must ask yourself: Does he get along well with others? Does he pick on everyone, or just you?

If it is everyone, we have a bigger problem. If it is only you, then you need to investigate why ? is it bad chemistry between characters, is it lack of communication between the two of you ?

In any case there is no single solution or remedy for the situation.. however you may want to try one of the following next time he starts shouting and getting angry with no justification:

• Just remain silent and do not reply… when he calms down or asks why aren't you talking… you can tell him you do not like being yelled at and if he has a problem or concerns about your work to discuss them with you "calmly".
• Excuse yourself to leave his office... saying you can see that he is today very irritated of something and that you will be back when he is better… if you repeat this several times… may be he will get the message.
• Take a more positive attitude after a few moments of silence… tell him in a low and professional voice: "do you know this is the x time (eg. third time) you yell at me this week, not mentioning last week and the week before… could you please tell me how we can change this and what I can do differently so as not to have such upsetting discussions so frequently ?"

Alternatively; you may pick a time when he is in a good mood and tell your manager that you need from him a performance appraisal on your quality of work, performance, where you can improve etc… during the discussion, you can bring up the subject and state how much it disturbs and bothers you.

Again, as we started our reply by saying; make sure you do not do things that trigger such a behavior from your boss… ie. do the right things the right way… so as not to allow him excuses.

And finally if any or all of the above does not work, then either seek a transfer within your company (if it is big enough to allow it) or start looking for another job !

We hope the above was of some use to you.
Good Luck

Q2: Waht salary to expect for a CFM?

What salary should I expect as a CFM (Certified in Financial Management) and is it easier to find a job when CFM certified ?

A. S. (Egypt)

Replying:

Dear Mr. S.

Your question cannot be answered ! CFM (Certified in Financial Management) or any other certification (such as CPA, CMA, CFA) or graduate degree (such as MBA, Ph D) is not something companies solely rely on to determine a salary. Salaries reflect the candidate / employee's experience, education, character and the nature of the job (what would he/she be doing, the location, the working hours, the other benefits etc...).

So in summary there is no special salary for CFM alone.

The second part of the question will get the same answer, companies do not seek to recruit someone just because he/she is a CFM holder... they seek a whole package (the person's character, attitude, education, experience, computer skills, languages etc..). However, other things being equal, of course a CFM certification will give you a better advantage.

We hope the above was of some use to you.
Good Luck

Q3: Are there certifications in exhibition or event management?

How to get in exhibitions business and industry in terms of design and management. Are there any local or international organizations giving certification or accreditation, in other words, evaluating performance in exhibition design or event management ?

A. G. (Egypt)

Replying:

Dear Mr. G.

Exhibitions, events, conventions and conferences would more or less fall in the same category. This field is seriously under developed in the Arab world, and in Egypt where you live. Just visit any of the major events held in Cairo, the International Book Fair or the IT expo to find them poorly organized and lacking lots of attention to details and professional setting. Probably the Arab city with the best track record in this field would be Dubai.

Since you have showed interest in developing your skills in this area, you need both experience and professional development/education. Experience will come by working for businesses or organizations involved in exhibition or event management. While professional development could be via a reputable body or association. We are not aware of any such entities in Egypt or the Arab region; North America is really the most sophisticated in this field (as well as many other fields, unfortunately); hence you might be interested in the following resources:

The International Association for Exhibition Management is a leading association for all individuals with business interests in the exhibition industry. Today IAEM represents over 3,500 individuals who conduct and support exhibitions around the world. IAEM uses many channels to communicate with its members, including EXPO Magazine and IAEM's "News & Industry Report," the organization's newsletter distributed weekly on the IAEM web site (click here). They administer the Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) Learning Program

Trade Show Exhibitors Association (TSEA) is dedicated to exhibit and event marketing professionals. For over 30 years, TSEA has provided knowledge to marketing and management professionals who use exhibits to promote and sell their products, as well as to those who supply them with products and services.

The Association offers the Certified Manager Exhibits (CME) program, is the only association-sponsored certification program that recognizes professionalism in exhibit management and marketing. You can get more information by clicking here.

The Convention Industry Council (CIC) is another useful venue. CIC's 30 member organizations represent more than 98,000 individuals as well as 15,000 firms and properties involved in the meeting, convention and exposition industries. Formed in 1949 to provide a forum for member organizations seeking to enhance the industry, the CIC facilitates the exchange of information and develops programs to promote professionalism within the industry and educates the public on its profound economic impact. CIC offers a program and exams leading to become a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP). The number of individuals who have obtained the CMP credential now totals 7,990. The CMP examination measures competency in meeting management.

For more information, visit them online by clicking here.

The Center for Exhibition Industry Research provides some useful reference material and papers on the industry (books, reports, video tapes etc..) that could be purchased online.
You can visit their web site by clicking here.

You can also access an online magazine: "The Meeting Proffessional", it can be found by clicking here.

Note from the editor: 
Employer names and inquiry sender names were withheld for confidentiality

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