However, he also notes that it is assumed by people who meet him that his position is at least partially the result of some form of affirmative action rather than his ability, and this bothers him.
He has been promoted to several leadership positions and feels the need to develop a good leadership style that will serve him in good stead, promote the interests of the company, and at the same time show a good style for blacks to emulate, one that places them in the mainstream while not being too overbearing or ineffectual. He has used his own position to help other blacks and was for a time the head of the company's first minority training program. He moved on to positions as management assistant, fire underwriting assistant, auto claims superintendent, and fire division manager before becoming regional vice president of operations for the Northern California office. He says he showed leadership abilities agreed with
...