promotion Archives - MY EXPERIENCE | MY EXPERTISE
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MY EXPERIENCE | MY EXPERTISE

Tag: promotion

  • Oubaitori | Running at our own pace

    Oubaitori | Running at our own pace

    Ouibaitori (pronounced as oh-buy-toe-ree) is a Japanese idiom that is based on four trees – Cherry, Plum, Peach, and Apricot. I don’t know much about trees but the idiom simply means we all grow and bloom at our own pace. In the workplace, this could mean that oubaitori is running at our own pace.

    I can’t remember where I first read this word. All I can remember is I did searched its meaning. “We all grow and bloom at our own pace.” In a world where we run, in a world where we think we have to beat everyone first, in a world where we want to become first, this idiom can put everything in perspective.

    Different starting point

    When I was starting my career, I had an opportunity to get to know a person who opened my eyes to the world of investments. This person had about Php 100k (about $1,800 by this time) in investment. I was told that time that to start an investment in stocks, that is the amount of money that I need. During those time, I do not have that kind of money. I was living paycheck to paycheck. I was supporting my wife and son. We barely had enough to finance our day-to-day expenses. But the desire to invest and get rich, of course, was implanted in head during that time.

    That person and I were on the same level at work. We have the same title. The workload of our jobs are the same. We are paid the same. We have the same family size. So, how come that person is able to have an investment while I am struggling. Well, our stories are different. Our backgrounds and family history are different. A wealthy family and a poor family. The starting point was different.

    We always wonder how come others are able to achieve something while we don’t. We ask ourselves why they seem to be lucky, affluent than us, and are better in life. Well, sometimes it is not about what we have done. It is about the starting point. Some grew up with wealthy family while some with poor family. There is a difference between where we started and therefore, some will reach their goals earlier than us. Others will still be running the race thinking they are left behind.

    Opportunities and roadblocks

    When I became a manager, I had been interviewing candidates for open positions. I had the privilege to talk to people and get to know their stories. In these interviews, one candidate said, “My friends had advanced in their careers. I am still doing the same thing that I am doing two years ago while they are now managers. I want to move up just like them.” Well, it is good that this candidate has some goals to pursue but comparing this person’s achievement with those friends is not the way to do it.

    I had the same situation. The people I started working with during the start of my career rose up to the ranks of vice presidents while I still a manager. The highest position I had was a director but that was just a short stint. Those people who have higher positions than I were given opportunities. They did very well. Relationships was built. Trust was given to them. Potential was there. Thus, the position were given to them. I, on the other hand, was given the opportunity too, however, I did not open those doors with full intent. I had my own roadblocks that stopped me from pushing forward that I did not think of overcoming. This, coupled with enjoying what I thought was the meaning of life, made me walk and stop.

    I can not say what the candidate had gone through and was left behind by those friends. But for me, I know that we get left behind because we focused on different things. My attention was attuned to other things that does not help me achieve what I want to achieve. This made me stuck where I was and had not reached where my colleagues are now.

    Not at the same time

    It doesn’t matter if others had reached the finish line first. We think we should have been there first, or at least reached the end with them. No. That does not matter. What matters is we get to the finish line. And, not everyone’s finish line, but our own finish line. When we compare where we are with others, we just feel depressed. Come to think of it. They don’t care where you are. Everyone has their own problems. They will just keep running for their own. If we try to go after them, then we might be running towards something that we do not care about.

    Our starting point are different. I, for one, started with poverty. I remember when I was kid days that we do not have anything to eat beside rice, salt, and cooking oil. The friends that I have now, or the people that I worked with, never had that experience. Their stories when they were kids are different than what I have.

    The opportunities laid out to me where different. The situation is different. My former colleagues stayed with the same company for years while I moved to about 5 different companies in a span of about 20 years. My challenges were different. The competition were different. Work demand changes across different companies. And the people I worked with varied with their own personal agendas.

    Grow and bloom differently

    But still, I ran the race. Now, I could say I am happy where I am. It is different from my friends. Some are working abroad. Some holds higher position. Others are earning more money than I. That is not what I have. But this is my race. My own race. I have what I need.

    Let’s all remember that we should not compare what others have to what we have. We all must remember that we are all different from each other. Our starting point, our abilities, and the opportunities laid out in front of us are not the same with others. We run our own race. Our speed and pace is different from one another. We have our own finish line. We grow and bloom differently.

  • External Hiring | Hurts Your Business and Employees

    External Hiring | Hurts Your Business and Employees

    You have been working hard for your company for years, hoping to get promoted to a higher position. During that time, you have proven your skills, abilities, and loyalty, and you have received positive feedback and recognition from your managers and peers. You have also invested in your professional development, taking courses, attending seminars, and reading books to enhance your knowledge and expertise.

    However, one day, you find out that your company has hired someone from outside to fill the role that you have been eyeing for. Not only that, but this person is getting paid more than you, even though they have less experience and knowledge about the company, the industry, and the market. You feel betrayed, disappointed, and angry. And you wonder why your company does not value or reward your contributions and potential. You question the fairness and logic of external hiring practices.

    If this scenario sounds familiar to you, you are not alone. Many employees face the same situation when their companies prefer to hire outsiders instead of promoting from within. External hiring is a common phenomenon in many organizations, especially in highly competitive and dynamic industries. However, it is not always the best strategy for your company’s long-term success and growth.

    Here are the reasons why external hiring hurts your business and employees. Additionally, there are some actionable items that can be done to advocate for internal promotions.

    External Hiring Costs More Than Internal Promotion

    One major way external hiring damages your business is through the exorbitant costs it incurs. As per a recent study¹, external recruits receive 18% to 20% higher pay than internally promoted employees, despite delivering the same level of performance. This is due to their inflated salary demands and strong negotiation tactics. Furthermore, there is a need to compensate for the risk and uncertainty associated with changing roles.

    External hires can cost a lot of money. This includes things like finding and hiring them, helping them move, training them, and paying them if they leave. A big HR group says it usually costs about $4,000 to hire someone new. This can change based on the job and where it is. But, they show how much time and money goes into hiring from outside the company.

    Internal promotions are cheaper and quicker than hiring from outside. Internal candidates already know company culture, policies, and procedures. They have existing relationships within the organization and have proven their skills through previous performance. They require less training and orientation compared to external hires, and there are no relocation or severance costs. Internal promotions also boost the morale and motivation of existing employees, showing that loyalty is rewarded.

    External Hiring Lowers Your Employee Performance and Satisfaction

    Another reason external hiring can harm your business is that external hires often produce lower quality and quantity of work compared to internal promotions. They face a steep learning curve and pressure to perform, as they must acclimate to a new environment, culture, and expectations. They may also struggle to justify their higher salaries and benefits. This can lead to lower productivity, quality, and satisfaction, as well as higher turnover rates.

    Internal promotions, on the other hand, can enhance employee performance and satisfaction by leveraging their existing experience and knowledge within the organization. They already possess the necessary skills and confidence to succeed in their new roles and benefit from the trust and support of colleagues and managers. This can result in higher productivity, quality, and satisfaction levels, and lower turnover rates. They also bring more impact and influence to your business goals and objectives due to their familiarity with the company, industry, and market, as well as their alignment with the business vision, mission, and values.

    How to Advocate for More Internal Promotion Opportunities

    Now that you know why external hiring hurts your business and employees, you may wonder how you can advocate for more internal promotion opportunities for yourself and your colleagues. Here are some tips that can help you:

    Share your career goals and aspirations with your manager and HR department. Let them know the roles and responsibilities you are interested in, and the skills and qualifications you have or are willing to acquire. Ask for feedback and advice on how to prepare for future opportunities.

    Participate in training programs to enhance your knowledge and skills, and show your commitment to your professional growth. Look for online courses, webinars, podcasts, books, and articles to learn new things and stay updated in your field.

    Volunteer for projects to showcase your abilities and potential. Seek mentors and sponsors to guide and advocate for you within the organization.

      Build positive relationships with your co-workers, managers, and stakeholders. Be a team player, a leader, and a contributor. Share your ideas and help others.

      Keep track of your achievements and document them in your resume and reviews. Highlight your contributions to the company’s goals and demonstrate desired competencies.

      Apply for internal promotion opportunities that match your interests and skills. Prepare well and showcase your strengths, achievements, and fit for the role. Address any concerns that may arise.

        How to Cope with the Challenges and Frustrations of External Hiring

        Even if you follow the tips above, you may still face some challenges and frustrations when it comes to external hiring. You may not get the promotion you want, or you may have to work with or under an external hire who is less qualified or experienced than you. Here are some ways to cope with these situations:

        • Don’t take it personally or negatively. External hiring is not a reflection of your worth or abilities, but a result of various factors and circumstances that may be beyond your control. Instead of feeling angry, bitter, or resentful, try to focus on the positive aspects of your situation, and look for the opportunities and lessons that you can gain from it.
        • Don’t give up or settle. External hiring is not the end of your career or your chances of advancement. There may be other opportunities that will come your way, or you may create your own opportunities by exploring other options within or outside the company. Keep working hard, learning new things, and growing your network, and you will eventually find the right role and the right place for you.
        • Don’t isolate or alienate yourself. External hiring is not a reason to withdraw or distance yourself from your colleagues, managers, or the company. Instead of being hostile, indifferent, or passive-aggressive, try to be supportive, cooperative, and proactive. Get to know the external hire, and offer your help and expertise. Learn from them, and share your knowledge and experience. Build trust and rapport, and find common ground and goals. You may discover that they are not so bad after all, and that you can benefit from working with them.

        Summary

        External hiring hurts your business and employees. You can advocate for more internal promotion opportunities. Additionally, there are ways on how to cope with the challenges and frustrations of external hiring. Here are the main points to remember:

        • External hiring costs more, lowers your employee performance and satisfaction, and reduces your employee loyalty and retention than internal promotion.
        • Internal promotion is cheaper, improves your employee performance and satisfaction, and increases your employee loyalty and retention than external hiring.
        • To advocate for more internal promotion opportunities, you need to communicate your career goals and aspirations, seek out and participate in training and development programs, volunteer for projects and assignments, build and maintain positive and productive relationships, keep track of your achievements and accomplishments, and apply for internal promotion opportunities.
        • To cope with the challenges and frustrations of external hiring, you need to avoid taking it personally or negatively, giving up or settling, and isolating or alienating yourself.

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      • Progression means more work

        Progression means more work

        Do you really know what it means to get promoted? When you say you are ready to take on new responsibilities, is it really new or more?

        Progression means more work. Moving up the career ladder requires more time and more effort from you. If you think you can do it, go for it. Otherwise, always consider your priorities.

        When you started working, you just go through your tasks day on day. Complete your 8 hours working and maybe on some days extend a little bit whether you get paid or not. Why not? So far you are enjoying it. You like what you are doing. You want to be there not just because you get paid, but because you like it.

        There’s a certain satisfaction that comes with dedicating yourself to something you truly enjoy. The feeling of fulfillment when you invest your time and effort into a job that resonates with your passion is unparalleled. It’s not just about the hours spent but the genuine interest and enthusiasm that drives you forward. When work doesn’t feel like a chore, but rather a meaningful pursuit, every moment spent there becomes valuable.

        And as you eagerly give your best each day, the prospect of going above and beyond becomes second nature. You’re driven not solely by the clock but by the sheer pleasure of contributing to something you deeply care about. It’s this intrinsic motivation and dedication that elevates your work from a mere obligation to a source of personal fulfillment. The joy derived from immersing yourself in your work fuels your productivity, making every task an opportunity for growth and achievement. Your commitment to excellence extends beyond the routine as you strive to continuously improve and make meaningful contributions. So, by embracing your genuine passion and dedication, you pave the way for a truly rewarding journey in the professional world.

        And maybe after a few months or years, your boss hands you additional tasks. You get excited because it is something new. You have something else to try on. And your boss considers you as the go-to guy. This is becoming a good path for you.

        Finding yourself in this position is a testament to your skills and work ethic. Embrace these new challenges and responsibilities with enthusiasm, as they are opportunities to showcase your abilities and further enhance your professional development. Being entrusted with more tasks indicates that your supervisor values your contributions and believes in your capability to deliver excellent results. Take this as a vote of confidence in your abilities and a chance to broaden your expertise. As you continue to excel in these new endeavors, your value within the organization will undoubtedly grow, opening up even more doors for advancement and recognition. Keep up the great work!

        Then, you think about getting promoted. Thinking about that money. Thinking about the team you will lead. Getting excited because you’ll have your own team to lead and guide. You become Captain America of the Avengers.

        Not knowing that getting that promotion, getting higher up the corporate ladder, and having a team of your own will mean something else. You will have more work.

        The journey to achieving a promotion and climbing higher up the corporate ladder, while exciting and rewarding in many ways, also comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities. It’s essential to acknowledge that alongside the increased authority and potential for leadership in having a team of your own, there often comes a significant increase in workload and managerial duties. This shift can signify a tremendous opportunity for personal and professional growth, as well as a chance to positively impact the work environment and the lives of those within your team. Embracing this change requires a strategic and thoughtful approach to time management, delegation, and honing leadership skills to ensure that the added workload is met with efficiency and effectiveness. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of career advancement can empower individuals to navigate the complexities of their roles with resilience and determination.

        You’ll be responsible for your entire team’s output. You’ll be responsible for assisting your boss with everything. You will have to think, decide, endorse, plan, monitor the team’s work, direct and so on. And all of these are more work and more time.

        Now, I am not saying it is a bad thing. No. It can either be good or bad depending on what you want to do in your life.

        Progressing in your career is good because it is a result of your hard work and by traditional definition, that is a success. Going up the corporate ladder tells a lot about how successful you are in your chosen field.

        The pursuit of progress in one’s career is a commendable endeavor. Advancing through the ranks within a professional setting is often viewed as a well-deserved outcome of dedication and perseverance. By adhering to the traditional metrics of success, ascending the corporate ladder serves as a tangible indicator of one’s proficiency and triumph within their chosen industry. It signifies the culmination of relentless effort, acquired expertise, and the ability to navigate the intricate dynamics of the professional environment. Embracing the challenges and triumphs encountered along this journey further illustrates an individual’s commitment to their personal and professional growth.

        And it becomes worse if you are just aiming for the title and money. When that is all that you are after, becoming a leader and having more responsibilities is not for you.

        Progression means more work. It gives you more money. It requires you more time. If these are things you think you are ready for, make yourself prepared. If not, then, you are setting yourself to failure.

        Progression in any aspect of life often entails putting in more effort and dedication. It’s a journey that demands commitment, time, and resources, and it’s not always an easy path to traverse. However, the potential rewards that come with progression can be substantial. As you advance, you may find yourself with greater financial stability, expanded opportunities, and personal growth. It’s crucial to assess whether you’re prepared for the challenges that come with this pursuit. If you believe you’re ready to take on the additional work, invest the necessary time, and make the requisite sacrifices, then you’re setting yourself on a path towards success and fulfillment. On the other hand, if you’re not willing to commit to the demands of progression, you may inadvertently be setting yourself up for setbacks and obstacles. It’s important to make an informed choice and be truly prepared for the journey ahead, as this will greatly influence your chances of achieving your goals.

        My take on this is if you can not make a significant impact on the lives of others if you are not able to make a meaningful impact on the business, if, and most important of all, your mental health is at risk, then it is not worth climbing up.

        Go get that promotion. Go get that money. Just consider that those two things are just rewards for what you will give in return – time and health.