How to Sabotage Your Career Without Even
Knowing It
In our executive search and coaching practice, I often meet people who are frustrated by their own lack of career growth. They complain of being passed over for promotion, not getting the raise they hoped for, or being assigned boring, unchallenging work. Typically, they blame their state of affairs on their employer.
When we explore the reasons behind their frustrations, we discover one of two things. In some cases, these individuals do lack the necessary skills and experience to do a more senior job and are best placed right where they are now. They are not ready for the next step. In these cases, I will recommend they gain further education or skills upgrading to move ahead.
In other cases, we learn that the individual is engaging in certain behaviours that impact their career in a harmful way. Although they possess the necessary qualifications to advance, these behaviours hold them back. And worst of all, they don't even know it. Here are some of the behaviours I've observed that can sabotage your career:
Falling apart under stress
In senior roles, you are expected to be able to withstand adverse events and stressful situations without falling apart. Whether it is a serious financial problem, a challenging employee, an unreasonably tight deadline, or an uncooperative PDA, you are expected to be resourceful and overcome this stress with poise, composure and confidence.
Not admitting that you don't know how to do something
When assigned a task, often you are provided with little training or direction on how to perform that task. Perhaps your manager is a lousy communicator. Perhaps she mistakenly believes you have the necessary skills to do the job. Having the confidence to say you are not sure how to handle the situation is a sign of strength, not weakness. You can't be expected to have all the answers, all the time. Tell your manager that you do not understand.
Inability to see the big picture
The best career opportunities will occur for those who can see the big picture. For example, the next time a new idea is presented at a staff meeting, observe everyone's reaction. First, you will have a group of naysayers - those pessimistic individuals who will gladly explain to everyone present why the idea will not work. Then, you will have more strategic level thinkers who will engage in discussion about how the new idea fits with your company's overall mission and goals. Hopefully you are in this latter group because you relate better to senior management's way of thinking.
Ignoring generally-accepted office behaviours
Whether or not you agree with the need to conform to certain norms, they do exist in the office. And violating them could limit your career. In business, behaviours that can damage your career prospects include: spreading gossip, using sexist or foul language, moodiness, playing games, arrogance, inappropriate use of email, abusing normal working hours, apathy, bullying, and constantly needing to be the centre of attention.
Discounting the social aspects of work
Some people take great pride in closing their door, putting their head down, and getting the job done. Clearly this enhances productivity and efficiency. But many of these same people forget they are working as part of a team. It is important to take the time to show interest in your co-workers' lives. In order to grow your career, you have to be liked. You must be seen as human, personable and empathetic. Of course, you can go overboard by socializing excessively and not getting your job done. That too can sabotage your career.
Making excessive demands
Making excessive demands on your employer about compensation, vacation, or working conditions comes across as arrogant, a trait that is certain to limit your career. More and more, this characteristic is being linked to younger workers. Some senior managers believe that younger workers must pay their dues before they are entitled to even ask for such perks. This clash between generations is now causing considerable angst in the workplace and more than one career has been abruptly derailed by a senior manager wanting to put an demanding employee "in his place."
Not learning from your mistakes
In the long run, your successes matter more than your mistakes. Yet you often learn more from your mistakes than your successes. Mistakes are a problem only if you repeat them, don't learn from them, ignore or conceal them, rationalize them, or blame others for them. Real learning takes place when you try to understand what happened, what went wrong, and why. One of my favourite lines is "good judgment comes from experience and experience often comes from bad judgment."
Having a pessimistic attitude
The successful people I've met over the years look at the world with optimism. They see good in everything and maintain a positive attitude even in the face of adversity. These leaders however are not blindly optimistic, which can be dangerous to your company and to your career. Instead, they blend their optimism with pragmatism and objectivity. They approach problems with confidence, convinced they can be dealt with, yet "call a spade a spade" when necessary. Because of their pleasant, upbeat manner, they are also much more enjoyable to be around.
Gerald Walsh, CMA, is the President and Founder of Gerald Walsh Associates Inc., an executive search, career transition and executive coaching firm.
<< Articles
|
Website design: