| Cars often are big attention grabbers. Is it a wise career move to show up at work in a car that’s nicer than the one your boss drives? |
| Maybe this is something you better consider, especially if you have a salary review coming up. USA TODAY surveyed several CEO’s and found that the answer varied. Some believed it was okay to pull into the parking lot driving wheels a cut above. That would fit the image of CEOs as free-market disciples who allow underlings to buy what they want – even if they upstage the boss. These employers encourage employees to buy cars out of their league because expensive tastes and debt motivate. These fancy car tastes are believed to correlate with goals, ambitions and aspirations. If the topic ever comes up, many of these employers suggest employees should treat themselves because they work hard and therefore should drive in style. |
| However, on the other side of the argument several CEOs believed this isn’t a responsible move because it displays a lack of judgment. Employers in this category claim they worry about workers over –extending themselves in this poor economy and source of funds. This worry also stems from the concern that employees with such nice cars will open up their company to risk because of financially irresponsibility. So is your boss a good guy if they worry about your financial maturity or is it none of their business? |
| The USA TODAY claims that none of the CEO’s feel threatened or jealous. |
| Conversely, in some cases, it could be difficult to find a cheaper car than the boss drives. Plus, a car can say a lot about the person in the corner office.
The argument works in both ways. What CEOs drive offers an insider look into their persona as well. Is your boss eco-friendly and driving a hybrid, cheap milking a clunker or flashy with all the bells and whistles. In 2007/2008 BMW was the most popular make driven by the C-level executives on the survey TheLadders.com conducted for USA TODAY. Yet BMWs accounted for only 13% of the total, followed by Ford at 7% and Lexus at 5%. A separate USA TODAY survey of 90 CEOs found 13% drive a BMW, 12% a Mercedes and 10% a Toyota. Overall, this is an everyday concern, for most people cars are an extension of their values and persona. So what do you think? |
Is Your Car Nicer Than Your Bosses?
