“Be kind to the people you meet on your way up, because you’ll meet the same people you meet on your way down” is a quote widely attributed to Jimmy Durante, Wilson Mizner and even Walter Winchell.
Whoever said that had a perspective we could all learn from. In my experience as a leader and executive coach, it’s a topic that very few people think about at this point, but lens It is practical and empathetic, and can help frame everyone’s lives and careers.
Most of us have experienced some sort of promotion or effectively moving “up” in a company or organization. One day we’re at one level, and the next we’re someone’s manager or in a higher position than our former coworkers. It can sometimes be a little unsettling, sometimes it feels like a rite of passage, and sometimes, just every once in a while, we succumb to the feeling that we deserve the promotion and others don’t.
In my experience, most people have all These feelings are important to each of us – what’s important is putting these thoughts through a realistic filter to provide a foundation for us to continue to learn and grow from them and remain effective members of the leadership team.
How do we deal with these situations?
Whenever a promotion occurs, I ask my clients how they feel about the promotion. This often results in an interesting series of questions and answers as we work together to raise their awareness of how to handle their new role. My own approach includes questions like:
“Congratulations! How are you feeling as you talk about your new job?”
“What has changed for you?”
“I’d love to hear about the challenges you’re facing.”
How is your relationship with your former colleagues?
What are your intentions and what choices do you think you have?
The answers vary and inevitably lead to other answers. I often help clients explore the challenge of not wanting to let go of old responsibilities while also considering new roles (I call them “The Ghost of Marley’s Leadership(“Holding on to old jobs while trying new ones can send a lot of signals to your employees, including a lack of trust and a breakdown in communication.”)
Many of our clients also struggle to be promoted ahead of their peers or those who may be more experienced within their organizations. It’s not uncommon for these clients to be called “geniuses” or “shiny pennies.” They may contend with jealousy and criticism from others who may not see them as worthy or capable of their new role. All of this can add pressure and difficult expectations as they try to navigate their new role.
Other clients may try to ignore messages from others and just focus on doing the job and achieving more in their new role, and while their accomplishments may continue, the relationships may not.
In each of these situations, as a coach, I often encourage people to adopt a “ladder of promotion” perspective.
“So, you’ve been promoted, but you feel like people are labelling you or being jealous. What are the chances that you’ll end up beneath them again?”
“I can’t imagine that.”
“Please, think about it.”
“Well, it might be uncomfortable.”
“Why would it be uncomfortable?”
“Many people think that when I complete a project or assignment, I leave too much of a ripple and don’t give enough credit to others.”
“What would you change based on how others perceive your performance and relationships?”
“Well, I think it’s wise to try to connect with other people, get to know other people, and be respectful of other people — that means saying ‘we’ instead of ‘I.'”
“So you’re saying that you’re going to be nice to others as you work your way up the corporate ladder?”
“Yes, because we might meet them on the way down!”
A smile is often followed by a look of recognition.
The harsh reality for each of us is that we all go through “ups and downs” – changing jobs, getting demoted, quitting a job, etc. If we treat everyone well, we know we’ve done our best to maintain and build relationships.
After all, isn’t that what life is all about?
Source: gothamCulture – gothamculture.com
