Author: André L. Belleville
In my role as a management coach, I regularly coach clients who are unhappy with their career progression. They come to me frustrated, not understanding what more they could be doing to move up the ladder faster. I have been there too! Growing up in the corporate world, statements like "The sky is the limit", to name just one of many, implied the sheer speed of business and that this must also apply to the speed of career advancement. This sometimes led to the belief that quantity could override quality. Being young and not having much social responsibility for a family, dog, or goldfish, it was easy to be misled by all the extra hours. I focused solely on building my career and moving up the ranks as quickly as possible.
As a young manager, your journey up the career ladder can often feel like a race against time, where promotions and recognition seem just out of reach. You're dedicating extra hours, volunteering for challenging assignments, and consistently delivering high-quality work, yet the desired advancement might still elude you. It's crucial to realize that each step of your career holds valuable experiences that contribute to your authenticity as a leader. Authentically pacing your career progression involves understanding the boundaries you face and embracing the time it takes to build a robust foundation for your journey ahead.
The Impatience Paradox
Ambition is the fuel that drives young managers to achieve greatness, yet it can also be a double-edged sword. The eagerness to climb the ranks quickly can create an impatient mindset. It's important to realize that promotions aren't solely based on the sheer amount of time invested or the number of assignments undertaken. True career growth involves a holistic development that encompasses not just technical skills, but also emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and interpersonal finesse.
The Value of Time and Experience
Gaining experience takes time, and this time is far from wasted. Each role you hold, every challenging situation you navigate, and every decision you make contributes to your reservoir of expertise. These experiences forge your resilience and empower you to handle the pressures of higher positions. The process of accumulating tenure allows you to cultivate the necessary skills, refine your decision-making abilities, and develop the insights that set exemplary leaders apart.
Building Authenticity
Authenticity is an intangible quality that sets exceptional leaders apart. As a young manager, every step of your career journey is an opportunity to build and embody your authentic leadership style. While it's natural to covet the next step on the career ladder, it's equally important to recognize the value of time spent improving your craft, developing your voice, and acquiring the necessary experiences that will serve as the foundation for your future leadership roles.
Mastering multiple Challenges and Decisions – Enabling Growth
Every challenge, every complex decision, and every tough situation you navigate contributes to your growth as a leader. These experiences bestow upon you a wealth of wisdom and resilience that can't be rushed or circumvented. Embrace the journey and find solace in the fact that you're amassing a treasure trove of insights that will equip you to excel in the demanding positions you aspire to hold.
Facing the Hot Seat with Confidence
The coveted "hot seat" of leadership comes with immense expectations and challenges. Those who were not chosen for the role or promotion will naturally scrutinize your performance, making it imperative to be prepared. The wealth of experience gained over time equips you with the confidence and knowledge needed to face these expectations head-on. Your journey has equipped you with the tools to handle complex situations, navigate ambiguity, and demonstrate leadership qualities that inspire confidence in your abilities.
Embracing the Individual Career Path
Comparing your advancement to others is a common pitfall that often leads to feelings of inadequacy or impatience. However, there's no universal advancement chart that dictates the timing of promotions. Every individual's journey is unique and influenced by factors such as skills, interests, and opportunities. Recognizing and embracing your distinct path allows you to focus on your growth without being burdened by unrealistic benchmarks.
Three-Dimensional Leadership: Downwards, Upwards, Sidewards
An authentic leadership journey is built on a foundation of three-dimensional leadership principles: managing downwards, upwards, and sideways. Leading your team with empathy and guidance, fostering positive relationships with superiors, and collaborating effectively with peers are all vital components of effective leadership. Cultivating these skills takes time, as they require not only mastering your role but also understanding the dynamics that shape a successful organization.
As a young manager, the path to a thriving leadership position may appear stretched, and the strides forward might seem shadowed by the ambitions. However, success is not a mere destination but a holistic and multifaceted experience. Patience is not passivity; it's a conscious decision to invest time in building a resilient, knowledgeable, and authentic leader. Remember, a career is a tapestry woven with time, experience, authenticity, and the mastery of three-dimensional leadership principles.
In the pursuit of the coveted hot seat, remember that it's not just about the seat itself, but the readiness to thrive in it. Your career is not a sprint. It's a marathon made up of thoughtfully planned strides that harmonize with the rhythm of your individual capabilities and unique potential.