They're Not Thinking About You

Dear Leader,

You mentioned to me that you are hoping to get the director role that is opening up in your department. I could see the excitement in your eyes that said "Finally, this is my chance!" It seems quite attractive. Better pay, more responsibility and the opportunity to guide the entire department. You have been here long enough, know the ins and outs of the department and your performance has been noted in your yearly reviews. I would think that you would be a quality candidate.

That same day, I also met with your VP. We were talking strategy and the open position came up casually. But your name didn't come up once. You have not revealed your desire for the role with those who are making this decision. In our conversation, you said, "They should know I want it." But you are not being noticed.

Should your superiors automatically be considering team members for the role? Probably, but people tend to be overly influenced by what is. That makes it difficult to see you in a different role. The point is that you have not clearly made it known that you desire the position. Your superiors are not mind readers. They know what you say and act out.

By not doing so, you are paving the way to resentment. And pity the soul who does get the job. You will quietly lament their wins and celebrate their slips. Maybe even subtly sabotaging them, holding back important information or leaving things out. Hating your job is just around the corner.

But there is one more awful side effect. You teach yourself that suppressing your wants and needs is normal. That you aren't worth the effort of speaking up.

So, I am going to offer some advice. First, I would ask, is your aim served by getting this promotion? If the answer is YES, then let's act on it in a more concrete and effective way. Let's consider the qualities of the person you must become to take this role. For one, this person would courageously make known what they want.

But along with that, they would know what the company needs. They would have a plan on how they want to meet those needs. In order to become this person, you are going to need to do some reconnaissance. Communicate your interest in the position. Ask upper management to reveal what they are expecting from this person. Then, look honestly at where you might be lacking and make a plan to close the gap. Become the person who is worthy of the role.

Whether or not you are selected, you are on your way to becoming that person who is a director. This is the uncomfortable process that will open up opportunities. If this opportunity passes, you will still be that person who is ready to fill that role in another place. That bold, unflinching and resolute person who serves the company and their own aim in a careful balance. No apologies.

Park Wiker

P.S. "It being right that even the smallest things be done with reference to an end." Marcus Aurelius