Hi Raj,

Congratulations on the strengths you’ve demonstrated – and the fact that they have been recognized through a number of awards.

I suspect the issue you’re struggling with may have less to do with your physical appearance of youth, than with people’s perceptions of the strengths you have to offer.  Ironically, often what makes you successful at one stage in your career is not what people are looking for in individuals who move to the next level.  So, by communicating your successes more broadly, you may be reinforcing people’s perceptions that you are well-suited to your current role.

In general, we go through three types of responsibilities as we move up the hierarchy:  from a focus on content – that is, on the nature of the work itself, to process – managing and coordinating various elements of a project, to context – creating environments in which others can succeed.  If you are perceived as someone who is excellent in doing the work itself and/or in managing projects, you are setting yourself up for awards – and for remaining in the same role for many years.  To move into top management, you need to impress people that you have the skills associated with context – that is, with helping others succeed.  Talk about how you’re creating engagement within your team, how you’re mentoring others, ideas you have to make the overall workplace more productive, and so.

Best wishes for success!

Tammy

Related Reading:

Managing Teams and Talent

Filed under: Career Strategies | Published: 02/29/12

Dear Shesgiri,

How lucky you are to have a good sense of the type of work that you find fulfilling.  I’m such a strong believer in the importance of finding your “Life Lure”—the work that will engage you.

Now you need to find that work.  I encourage you to begin an active process to find another opportunity to work as an Online Brand Manager.

Good luck and best wishes,

Tammy

Filed under: Career Strategies | Published: 01/15/11

Dear Greg,

Unfortunately, I think the severity of the economic downturn caught everyone off-guard.  I suspect the reason you had so much trouble finding out what was happening to your promised development opportunities was that no one really knew.  The folks running the program were probably almost as disappointed as you, to find that their budgets were being frozen—and undoubtedly embarrassed to have to back-track on the things you’d been promised.

I think you’re being prudent to keep in touch with the external market—while, of course, working to succeed in your new role. 

It’s very difficult to predict what will happen in your firm.  On one hand, as business rebounds, I’d like to think that you’d be at the top of everyone’s list to get back onto the fast track.  Unfortunately, corporate realities often don’t work that way.  It’s entirely possible—in fact, from my experience, likely—that the game will be reset.  In other words, when the leadership development program begins again (and I do think it will in some form), the selection of the participants will start with a clean slate, looking at those who have excelled during the recession.  It’s essential that you continue to excel at your current company—and, it’s wise to keep your eyes open externally, as well.

Best wishes for continued success,

Tammy

Filed under: Career Strategies | Published: 01/15/11

Hi Daniel,

I’m believe most graduate schools and companies see gap years as excellent ways to gain additional perspective and experience—and encourage them.

Enjoy your travels—and many wishes for future success.

Tammy

Filed under: Career Strategies | Published: 01/15/11

Hi Jeff—

Are you looking to tap into a mentoring program or start one to benefit others?

In either case, I think the key is to think in terms of mechanisms to share knowledge and experience, as you note.  If you’re looking to tap into such a network, join any professional organizations that may be relevant to your interests—professional societies, alumni organizations, community based business groups and so on, can all provide valuable contacts and put you in touch with individuals with the type of knowledge and experience you’ll need to pursue your next phase goals.  Over time, some of these relationships may turn into more traditional “mentoring” relationships, but, even if they don’t, you’ll have a rich network of contacts.

If your goal is to start a mentoring program, think in terms of creating a forum or network that will attract people with shared interests.

I hope this helps.

All the best,

Tammy

Filed under: Career Strategies | Published: 01/15/11