Ladders aren’t always straight.
Stay on Track
The best way to control workers is to tell them stuff that sounds true. Most workers have a pretty high benchmark for bullshit and don’t even blink when they hear the latest propaganda from their company. Long ago, a story was created that told workers that there was a way to get ahead. If this route was followed, there would be a beautiful gold watch provided as a gift for loyalty. These watches were great gifts, but they were given when there was no need to be aware of what time it was. Everyone who stays on the track would eventually reach this height. The only trouble with this whole scheme was the insincerity of it was based on keeping workers focused on working instead of wanting more. It was a track to nowhere.
Career Ladder
One of the tools that workers have been given was the use of a ladder as a model for their career. Most employees know that ladders are used to go up. But ladders also take employees down. This part is not discussed very often. And sometimes, ladders are rickety or missing rungs. This can result in difficulty ascending. These older methods of controlling those who got ahead need to be abandoned because careers are not always like just going up, up, up. Those who did move up may have had the help of some friendly associates who were really good at pointing out the pitfalls. Without a good sherpa, climbing isn’t always safe.
Sturdy Tracks
The better way to keep your career on track is to understand that it will not be a straight climb. The linear method of moving two steps forward and one step sideways may provide more stability. Sometimes the challenge of leap frogging makes sense. Without the need to have that gold watch, you are free to find rungs that interest you. You may indulge yourself to learn a skill that you plan on using in five years. You may gamble on going back a step to take a chance on a passion project. The result is the freedom of choice. Having real choices and deciding on your own means that you are not subservient to anyone else’s plan. When you are able to write your own career plan, it will give you skills that aren’t used on the other commute. It’s the difference between driving and sitting in the back seat of a taxi.
Career Pause
I have written many times about the need to pause. This is best associated with a hand on the heart, some deep breaths, some journalling and a willingness to sit peacefully. Careers sometimes require pauses. The beauty of the break in climbing is the chance to take a look around. There is beauty in admiring the past steps and there is brilliance in stopping to catch up to check the weather ahead. Every career decision does not need to be made on the heels of another. This is just the story we have been taught. It is easier to control employees when you tell them where to go. But leaders may have some selfish reasons to point in specific directions. If you have ever doubted the next step offered to you, take some very deep breaths. You must be able to understand how this move will benefit you first. Resting just a bit allows for strengths to be accessed and the chance to take a good look around. If you have any doubts, it is quicker to get to the heart of the matter before venturing on. And you can see if there are any sherpas available.
What track are you on? What does your career look like ahead? Are you available to be a sherpa to anyone?
