Jennifer Newman: How to jump-start a stalled career
There may be some subtle things you're doing that are keeping you from moving ahead
It's easy to fall into a rut — even in your career.
Sometimes an employee will be the hardest working person in the office, and still fall short of getting that next promotion. But there is hope.
Workplace psychologist Jennifer Newman joined host Rick Cluff on CBC's the Early Edition to talk about how to jump-start a stalled career.
Rick Cluff: How can you tell if you are stalled at work?
Jennifer Newman: There are a number of signs. Workers who have stalled are qualified, talented and know the job, yet they get passed up for promotions. Or, theyre looking to make a lateral move or to get hired and it falls through, over and over again.
Or even a worker who isn't assigned projects or tasks that could take their skill set to the next level. They get stuck doing the same old thing.
Another sign is their peers — they seem to be moving ahead, while the stalled worker gets further behind.
Some workers are told they're talented, but it doesn't translate into anything. They ask for feedback about what to improve and it doesn't help — it just adds to the confusion.
What kind of feedback do talented but stalled workers get?
They often get pretty honest advice from colleagues, bosses and others who know them. Usually people can see they're talented, so they try to help.
The feedback is usually couched in euphemisms like: "You need to be more collaborative," or "try exercising more leadership," or even "You're sometimes a bit negative."
Unfortunately, workers tend to dismiss this type of feedback. They find it nebulous and confusing. Other times they don't know how to use the information.
So what's holding otherwise talented workers back?
They have a tendency to rub co-workers and bosses the wrong way and not think it's a problem. Sometimes they resist new ideas, subjects or initiatives. Or, they'll think someone else's ideas are ridiculous and subtly let others know their opinion.
Other times these workers will openly resent tasks they believe are a waste of time, then not attend to the details, or complain. Some may seem socially awkward, reserved or stand-offish. A closed, judgemental, dismissive style is hard to hide. It can really get in an otherwise talented worker's way.
It sounds like a classic case of having a bad attitude?
It is a significant blind spot. It's a lack of what psychologists call situational judgement.
Situational judgement is the ability to handle oneself in different interpersonal situations involving work mates, including knowing how to discuss issues that arise, how to help others feel comfortable to be themselves, and how to work together with peers and supervisors.
It's knowing when to hold one's tongue, when to speak up, and how to support colleagues.
What can a stalled worker change to get ahead?
Research connects being open, outgoing, diligent, and calm to better job performance and being selected for plum positions. It requires doing a bit of work on your personality.
If a worker is being held back by close-mindedness, they can work on becoming a bit more open, just as they can reach out a bit more to others.
They can remain mindful of having a tendency to be judgmental, they can push themselves to meet new colleagues, or talk more to supervisors.
And, not view themselves as boot-licking to get ahead.
They can focus on doing their best, even if the task feels beneath them, or watch for complacency setting in.
Workers can be aware of venting, or appearing moody or unpredictable. They can consciously work on stabilizing emotionally.
For example: I worked with a team member looking to become a team lead. She focused on staying calm and being emotionally consistent when something didn't work out.
It was hard at first, but with practice she was able stay calmer. And, she started feeling more competent and it showed up in her work. She moved into a leadership position soon after.
With files from CBC's The Early Edition
To listen to the full interview, click on the audio labelled: Has your career stalled-out? Workplace psychologists Jennifer Newman offers tips on how to give it a boost.