I had been working with them for about five years when our direct supervisor simply walked out the door one Friday and never returned. When the crew gathered Monday morning, there was no one in charge of handing out work assignments. Without our supervisor, we were just hanging around and talking. My inner mind took over, I started assigning jobs and making sure everyone worked. This didn't go down well with one of my colleagues who asked me who put me in charge. I looked at it and said yes! I continued to be "in charge" for the rest of the week. Later that week the department director informed me that he would recommend me for the vacant supervisor position. He stated that he chose me because I was the only one who stepped up and took charge. Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to show them my leadership skills. However, I experienced workplace politics when the position went to the chief pilot's son. Feeling a little betrayed by this obvious favoritism, I decided to resign. The department director noticed my disappointment and recommended me for a position in the manufacturing engineering department. This position required a bachelor's degree and I only had a GED. At least it guaranteed me that I would have the opportunity to interview for the job and sell myself. THE