Tapped on the shoulder for your next role? It could be a bad thing
As an experienced leader delivering results, you are likely to be tapped on the shoulder and directed to your next role - it’s usually how internal senior appointments are made.
In fact, often you’re not even asked, you’re told what your next role is. It’s flattering. It boosts the ego. It’s nice to be wanted. And some people make successful careers this way.
The reason I see this as a problem, is because you can move so quickly into the next fire that you don’t even stop to wonder if you really want the job.
Maybe you’re not even asking yourself for fear that you definitely don’t want it. Or you’ll tolerate it if you believe it’s taking you towards a Board position. This is a problem.
It can lead to burnout, a lack of fulfilment, and a feeling that things are happening 'to' you. You forget that you're the creator of your life. I want you to pause and notice before this happens - pause and make active career choices.
I’ve seen leaders under pressure that are so focussed on their job that they forget the advice they give their junior staff - proactively engage with your career. Consider these questions to help you prepare for that moment:
Which specific Board role are you aiming for?
What are a couple of senior roles in the organisation (which would be a promotion for you) that would create skills and experience that benefits/ compliments the Board role you’re on your way to? That make sense as part of your journey?
What senior roles do your competitors have leaders doing that your organisation doesn't? (e.g. a Head of Diversity & Inclusion role was rare until it became common). What does your market need that you’re not currently focussing on? You’re looking for an opportunity to write your next job description and pitch it to the organisation.
If you were offered an exit from this organisation tomorrow, would you be a hell yes or a hell no?
What are your personal values?
Having the answers to these questions will help you respond to your next tap on the shoulder. Or to proactively make some changes that enable another outcome you want.
P.S. A tap on the shoulder for your next role can feel exciting or fill you with dread. Try out these questions to help you prepare for conversations about your next move. Or book a call with me if you want a thought partner.
P.P.S I'm designing a short course that helps leaders create confident impact in their first 100 days in a new role. I'd love to hear from you - tell me what areas you'd want to see included.
