You’d like to believe that you’ll rise to the top if you’re talented and a hard worker. However, it’s a naive way to look at your career. For most people, no one is going to come to your rescue and sweep you off into the C-suite. Instead, bosses will hold you back for their own selfish reasons.
The Boss Holds You Back Because You Do All The Work
Your supervisor knows you are a rockstar, but keeps it a secret from others within the organization, especially the top executives. Your boss purposely wants to hold you back. Secretly, the supervisor feels threatened by you.
They know that you are amazing, but can’t afford to lose you if you get a promotion and advance within the ranks. Without you, they’d be lost. The supervisor desperately needs you to make them look good. Rather than extolling your virtues and telling everyone about your accomplishments, the boss hides it.
The reality is that you’re too good at your job. If you were promoted, no one could step into your shoes. This leaves you stuck in place. The boss won’t tell you the truth because it’s cruel and unethical to keep you trapped for their benefit and to your detriment.
You Are Not Playing The Right Game
In school, you’re told that if you pay attention and work hard, you’ll get good grades. However, they don’t teach you about the real world. Working hard helps, but that’s only a tiny part of being successful. It’s not enough. You need to play the game. You need to shmooze the right people, get on the fast-track projects and make yourself known.
This means you have to get good at navigating and excelling at office politics. You need to work smart and let people know of the great work you’re doing.
It’s important to cultivate and build strategic relationships with people who can help grow your career. Seek out mentors who can show you the way, introduce you to key players within the firm and teach you how to avoid pitfalls.
Layoffs And Hiring Freezes
The current economy and job market for white-collar professionals aren’t great. On a nearly daily basis, there are announcements of layoffs, hiring freezes and job offers being rescinded. In this type of environment, you need to fend for yourself.
Everyone is trying to avoid being the person who will be let go. It’s a game of survival. Budgets are slashed. Cost cuts are commonplace. Management doesn’t have an appetite to promote and advance people. They are more focused on just keeping their heads above water. Your advancement or promotion is far down on the list of their concerns.
What You Need To Do To Turn Things Around
There are only four months left until the New Year. You have ample time to start laying the groundwork for a promotion and raise right now. Don’t wait until the last moment, as it will be too late.
You want to signal and have evidence that you are a much-needed employee. Keep meticulous track of all of your wins. Make sure that your boss is aware of what you are doing. Do this in person, as well as in writing. You want a paper trail of emails, memos, and texts citing all of the great work you’ve done. Point out the times when you exceeded expectations. Go above and beyond your responsibilities and keep your manager informed of the impact you’re making at the organization. In addition to the boss, subtly let others know of your accomplishments.
Play The Game
Go into the office regularly. With fewer workers around, you’ll stand out. Make sure that your presence is known. Chat with people in the hallways and cafeteria. Get in front of other managers, let them know what you’re up to and ask if they need any assistance.
Purposely send emails and texts and leave voicemails early in the morning, late at night and on the weekends. It may be rude, but these actions make the recipients notice that you’re working long hours and have a strong work ethic, unlike some of your co-workers who are quietly quitting.
Pop into the boss’ office to inquire what you can do to help them. Avoid fraternizing with people who tend to complain, gossip and are going nowhere fast. No matter how bad things get, always remain positive. While work-at-home attire has crossed over to the office, stand out by dressing as if you are a few levels above your station.
The Pitch For A Promotion
Before you know it, December will roll around. It’s time to capitalize on all the work you’ve done to break out and get to the next level. Put together an elevator pitch that concisely and succinctly sets forth all the great things you’ve done over the last year. Use this data to ask for a promotion, higher corporate title, a raise and larger bonus.
Be Prepared For Pushback, And Go For The Jugular
Since your boss has been holding you back, there may be some resistance. If this happens, you need to be direct. Let them know that you know that they know you’re the one who’s been doing all the work. It may be uncomfortable, but call your supervisor’s bluff. Tell the boss, after all you’ve done, if a promotion, raise or bonus are not in the cards, you’ll let their manager know what’s been going on.
Say that you will start searching for a new job. Recognizing that the company is allowing attrition without replacement and hiring freezes are in effect, the manager will likely give in. They’ll realize that without you and no replacement on the horizon, management will discover that your supervisor is a fraud and has been riding your coattails for years. It’s a bold move, but sometimes you need to play hardball to get what you want to advance and succeed.
Source: Forbes
