Michigan Front Page: Article # 4

Tough times, but we can still control our destiny in race for career advancement

The economic tightening of the belt and its resulting job cuts, layoffs, involuntary terminations and outsourcing have fueled a track meet the likes of which would marvel an Olympic event. The elimination of jobs also means a reduction in the numbers of job advancement opportunities. Organizations are still hierarchies in which status comes with elevation and ascension to the next level is coveted by more than just the person with the most immediate view. The playing field is rarely level, but now teeters from the weight of the numbers of ‘survivors’ who have been handed a broader array responsibilities while still trying to work their way up a much narrower ladder.

The increased number of internal and external candidates vying for fewer middle and upper middle positions, on the upside, means that organizations can be real picky about who gets the coveted spot. However, the downside for an employee is that you increase the number of times you are told, “Sorry, we filled that position with another candidate.” For the rejected, it raises a scenario question in need of an answer. If you’re one number in a race with a hundred lanes and you don’t have the inside track, how do you make yourself distinguishable from everyone else running at top speed? You have to make sure you are qualified to be in the race and that you’re well prepared to win. Self-delusion is easy when staring into a cracked mirror, but preparation in anticipation of changing events does more to move a career forward than temperamental outbursts over thing that are beyond your control.

Traditional obstacles in the race have had their historically profound truth. The boss, the politics and the organization itself have been frequently cited as visible ‘blames’ in the progress on one’s career. While some it still rears its ugly head, the mindset that flows from corporate boardrooms, the legal system, government institutions and those always reliably informed AM radio talk show hosts, is to shift more of the focus to the individual. The perspective is best represented by the quote, “It’s your career, it’s your responsibility and no person or institution on the planet can deny you what you have rightfully earned.”

We must consider the question, “What was your role in allowing that promotion denying decision to be made?” The medical community recognizes the use of self-examination as a process that checks for symptoms of a potential problem. Career self-examination can yield similar results if you know what symptoms to identify as potential career problems.

Rarely completing organizational assignments is a sure career killer.
Constantly being prodded to take the initiative on certain tasks is guaranteed extended time in the organizational penalty box.
Last in and first to leave is a clear path to a permanent exit.
Relying on past skills only results in past recognition.
Complaining about the workload is a large song being played on the world’s smallest violin.
Maintaining the status quo only points out how out of touch you are with the changes going on around you.
Hunkering down and hoping it will get better usually means it gets better for someone else.

Under the best of circumstances, being denied a promotion is second only to being told by your prom date, “I decided to go with someone else.” When circumstances are mitigated by this wild economic rollercoaster ride, it magnifies an already, tough situation. The question of self-determination is rarely explored when the streets are paved with gold. The real challenge is to find those tasks, activities or opportunities that will provide that extra spark needed to set you apart in a crowded race.