A story is told at my workplace about a certain Mark. Mark was known for his excellent work, high performance, and love for his job. He worked diligently for 12 years for the same company hoping that his high performance and loyalty would pay off. He hoped for a well-deserved promotion and a substantial pay hike.
13 years down the line, and the only pay raise he got was the minimum that every employee was getting, and it was never the right time for him to get that promotion. The saddest thing about this whole story is that he was the top pick for projects, could always be relied upon to get stuff done. But he was obviously not good enough for a promotion. Do not be like Mark.
Do not be like Mark
Mark’s decision to stay in the same job for too long ate up numerous opportunities for advancement. His career stalled and he wasted his potential. He never saw the years pass by until it no longer made sense for him to stay in the same position. Forbes career experts warn that staying at the same job for 5 years or more is far too long. Staying for too long in one position makes you less interesting as time goes by. You may even seem irrelevant to your managers. It does not mean that you have to leave your current company — you just have to brighten your future career prospects by moving up the career ladder.
What should you do?
1. Do not turn a blind eye on your career just because your boss is
Some bosses can be excellent mentors, interested in their juniors’ growth and success. For such employees, career fulfillment is much more achievable, of course, depending on their own input in work. Unfortunately, there are a certain category of bosses who believe they are a God-given gift to their employees, driving into their minds that without their superpowers, their juniors would be nowhere in their careers. The sad thing is that some employees end up breaking their backs seeking their approval, believing that things will end up better in the end. Pleasing your boss is a good thing, but you shouldn’t do it to the detriment of your own success. Bad bosses will always assure you that better opportunities will be available in the future, with the “future” having no specific time.
2. Get your game plan in order
The longer you stay in the same position, the more difficult it would be for the managers to envision you anywhere else. Work and be good at your job, then actively chase opportunities for advancement. Make your intentions known that you seek to advance and work on it. It will be easier for the managers to advance you if you seem to put work and time towards advancing your knowledge and skills.
3. Document your performance
It is a common practice for companies to conduct regular performance reviews. Perform exceptionally well and highlight your most rewarding achievements. Advocate for high profile tasks and put effort, time and skills into them. Make your achievements noticeable during performance reviews. Do not take your achievements for granted. If you do, no one else will market them for you.
4. Get other people invested in your success
Avoid giving your boss the ultimate control over your career. Follow good advice and be self-aware enough not to sheepishly follow retrogressive suggestions. Nurture excellent working relationships with people other than your boss. A mentor, a career coach and peers who mean goodwill will always point out where you seem to be slacking. Get their perspective. Authentically listen to their input and accompany good advice with appropriate and timely actions. In addition, strive to help others grow. Celebrate with them when they achieve their goals. That way, they will also help you out when you make your bid for promotion.
5. Recognise the less obvious opportunities
Sometimes we may so engrossed in the big picture that we fail to realise the incremental steps that help us get to the ultimate goal. The goal is not an exclusive event; it takes a series of small wins that make it all worthwhile.
