Leveling Out In Your Career

As managers, we pay a lot of attention to professional growth.  We prepare for promotion, we seek out opportunities, and we dream about that plum job we first spotted when we joined our organization.

But is there ever a point where we level out, and stop pushing upwards?

Is there ever a point when we decide that our boss's job is definitely not the one we want?

Sure.  Most of us will level out at some point.  

Signs You are Leveling Out

1.  You are skilled at your current role, and satisfied with your current pay and responsibilities.

2.  You look at the next rung on the ladder, and decide that the effort/risk/struggle it would take to get there is not worth it.  Or you realize that you are outmatched by your competition.

3.  You are interested in achieving mastery in your current role.   You want to grow, but in breadth.  You are willing to take on more responsibility, but in the context of your current role.

Pros and Cons

The pros?  There is a certain kind of peace that comes when you set aside your ambitions to be upwardly mobile.  Instead of furiously climbing to the next level, you learn to maximize the benefits of your current role.  Your stress level may fall.  You can build a good set of systems and relationships for the long term, adding value to your team in ways that go beyond your job role. 

The cons?  You may feel a bit jealous at first, as others pass you.  There is a real risk that your company may view you as stagnant.  In some companies, leveling out is seen as a form of incompetence.  "Good people always grow."  This is foolish of course, because we can grow within a role, but it is a risk to be managed.  You are likely to experience limits in your compensation growth.

Flattening the Curve

To level out, you don't need to make an announcement.  It can be as simple as stopping the "push" for promotion if you've been ambitious.  It might also involve mentioning that you are really enjoying your role, and talking about the plans you have for it.  

Think "growth within my role" instead of "growth upward."

Avoiding Dangers

There are a few dangers to avoid if you decide to level out.   First, avoid stagnation.  Stay current in your field, stay abreast of trends, and keep growing your competence and contribution.  If you are just treading water, a smart company will consider replacing you with someone better.

Secondly, be careful of the vacuum effect.  Someone above you leaves suddenly, and you (such a competent fellow!) are asked to fill in.  Be helpful, but be careful.  You may find yourself being "sucked" into a more senior role you don't want and/or are not suited for.   Many competent people have been burned in this way.  Don't let your company (in a moment of convenience) chew you up and burn you out.

Celebrating the Next Phase

When I was in my hyperactive twenties, I never understood why someone would want to stay put in one job role for the long haul.  Now, in my mid thirties, I do understand.  It's not about getting old, or slowing down, or being less passionate.  It's more about the idea that after a decade or two of finding "that perfect fit" it doesn't make sense to cast it aside in the pursuit of more stress, more money, or more power.

Have you happily leveled out in your career?  If so, I'd love to hear your story.

Cheri Baker is a management coach in Seattle, WA

 

Comments

[Roguepolymath]

I think more organizations should acknowledge the reality of the Peter Principle and not assume that success is guaranteed each time you advance. Doing something because everyone else is doing it is most certainly not the right thing to do.

[Cheri Baker]

So true! All advancement comes with some risk, which should be thought out carefully. I'm sad to say I've seen many managers pushed forward hard, then stumble.

What a terrible way to lose a really committed player!

[Dave Gordon]

It's easy to forget that when you started out, you wanted to be influential. Early in your career, your strategy became one of developing influence via the authority of position. But there are other ways to be influential, such as the authority that comes from recognized expertise, or as a leader (which may not involve a position of authority). Your network of contacts is a means of developing and using your influence. Your reputation as a trustworthy adviser gives you influence. A well-regarded blog gives you influence. Even a good video on YouTube can be a path to influence. The things you produce and share with others mean a whole lot more than anything that was ever printed on a business card. Your job is only one piece of a well-lived life.

One of the most influential men in human history was a mere carpenter who mostly hung out with a bunch of fishermen, and was executed after a career of only three years. Whereas Donald Trump won't even be a trivia question in fifty years.

[Cheri Baker]

I hadn't even thought of it that way Dave, thank you.

I've been talking to some of my clients about the difference between positional authority and the philosophy of servant leadership.

It's been interesting to see the varied reactions. Some folks get excited because they are putting a name to the way they already operate.

Others get wary. "But I'm the leader!" is their message.

Perhaps when someone is truly a leader, they no longer feel the need to announce that fact?

Or perhaps these are simply different, valid philosophies about what it means to lead.