The desire to be promoted
Starting your career, you start at the bottom. Well, most do. You are told what to do. You are trained to do the work. And you almost copy what others do so you do not make any grave mistakes. Sometimes, you put a bit of yourself into your work and make it your own.
Along the course of your career, you start looking at those above you on the corporate ladder. The supervisor who you immediately report to and who handles your schedule and training. The manager who oversees everything and has the final say on your bonus, annual increase, performance reviews, and potential promotion. And further higher up, those you rarely talk to and see very seldom, who run the business and make the decision on how the company will move forward.
You start picturing what it would be like to be the one in their position and earn more than what you have. You imagine getting that nice phone they have, the nice car, the nice vacation, and all in all, more money than what you are being paid for in your current rank-and-file position compared to the leadership and managerial role that they have. The prestige that comes with it and the title is something you start wanting to get.
But, are you even aware of what being in a leadership or managerial position requires from the person holding it?
The accountabilities of the title
While there are more benefits when you hold a higher position such as more money, a title, and a better lifestyle, most do not see what is tied up to the role. Most only aim for a higher position because of what they will get and forget what they will give in return.
Here are some of what you will give when you get promoted:
- Time. When you get a higher position, it will require more time from you. This is because you will become an integral part of how the business is being run. Your time will be spent on your colleagues, those above you, and of your team as you need to coordinate everything.
- Attention. When you are rank and file, your only focus is your own work. When you climb up, your focus expands covering your own work and the work of your team.
- Knowledge. Once you go up, you are responsible for teaching your team. You have to impact what you know and make them effective. The output of every single one of them is your output, therefore, you have to ensure that they know what they are doing.
These are just some that summarize critical elements of the responsibility of a higher role. And all of these require a bit of yourself to be shared with others. By the time you are promoted and have that higher position, it is going to be stressful, it is going to get difficult, and it will ask you to persevere. Well, you wanted it in the first place, right?
Aim for the role, not the title and rewards
At the start, it is good to aim for a higher position. However, if your purpose is just so you could get the title and be proud, that is the wrong way to do it. By doing so, you will become someone no one will be willing to follow. Who would follow someone who has the position and does not aim to perform the role or even care for the rest of the team?
Focusing on the role you want to get and aim for it is better. By understanding the responsibilities, accountabilities, and how you could use the title to effect change is the right way to envision and get the position.
If you wanted to get the title because you think there are processes and approaches that you can implement that would take the performance of the team or the company to better heights, if you desire the position to effect changes and have a better organization, and if you are willing to give more of yourself to make others better, then you are in the right path.
However, if you desire just the title, be followed, and gain the rewards, you do not deserve it. You are just being selfish.
The title, the money, and the nice things in life are by-products of the role. When you give what you must to take care of your responsibilities and accountabilities the rewards will come. It is the return you get for giving. And focusing on those returns instead of ad of what you can provide is wrong.
So, know what you can do if you get the title. Once you know it, assess it if it is something that would help you do what you want. And if so, and you believe that the role will help you achieve what you want to do to help others, then go for it. By doing this, you will have a more purposeful approach in the trajectory of your career.
Become better.
Aspiring for a higher position within an organization is a common goal, but it’s crucial to differentiate between seeking a title for its prestige and aiming to fulfill the responsibilities that come with a role. The allure of a title and the accolades that accompany it can be tempting, but if these are your sole motivations, you risk becoming a leader in name only—a figurehead devoid of respect and genuine authority.
True leadership is not about the accolades or the recognition; it’s about embracing the duties and obligations inherent in the role. It’s about understanding that with leadership comes the responsibility to drive positive change, to support and uplift your team, and to contribute meaningfully to the organization’s success.
When your ambition is rooted in a desire to improve processes, innovate solutions, and elevate the collective performance of your team or company, you’re on the right track. Leadership should be about service—about giving more than you take and focusing on how you can benefit others rather than just yourself.
Conversely, if your aim is merely to acquire a title for the sake of authority, recognition, and personal gain, then your priorities are misplaced. Such self-centered aspirations do not merit the honor of leadership. Leadership is not an entitlement; it’s earned through dedication, hard work, and a commitment to excellence.
Remember that titles, financial rewards, and other perks are not the end goals; they are the natural outcomes of fulfilling your role with integrity and passion. They are the rewards for your contributions and commitment to your responsibilities.
So before setting your sights on a title, consider what you can truly bring to the role. Evaluate whether your vision aligns with the needs of the organization and whether you’re prepared to go above and beyond for the betterment of others. If so, pursue that position with purpose and determination. By adopting this mindset, you’ll chart a career path that’s not only successful but also deeply fulfilling.
Strive to become a leader who is valued not just for their title but for their ability to inspire, innovate, and make a lasting impact. Aim to be better in every aspect of your role.
Leave a Reply