Q: I have been working for 15 years and consider myself exceptionally good in technical areas. I have remained extra competitive and worked under different managers. There is no framework in my current engagement for credit sharing. And I am not very vocal, demanding or quick in taking credit for my ideas and easily trust people while working in teams. I assume that I will get credit for my work under people I work for and will get recognised and rewarded. However, that’s not been happening. I have to fight for my rights, which at times sours my relationships with others. Consequently, despite my innovative ideas, experience and hard work, I have not progressed in my career and I feel being taken advantage of by colleagues. How should I deal with this situation and get my career back on track?
A:(Prabir Jha) The challenge that you face is typical of so many in various workplaces. You seem to have a self-image that almost seems perfect for a victim. But that possibility is your problem. Once you overcome this victim syndrome, you will bounce back. Let us explode some of your myths:
Organisations are political realities: Many people believe all politics is bad. It is not. You need to understand the levers of influence better. Coalitions, support and collaboration all flow not just from simple hard work but the ability to influence and shape outcomes. Getting a coach to help you reflect on this may be a good idea.
Recalibrate the quality of your work: It is natural to assume that we bring the best ideas to the workplace or are great functional experts. Unfortunately, we cannot be the judge in our own case. What we believe to be stellar contributions may not really be so, either in absolute or relative comparison. How can you possibly get more honest feedback from your ecosystem? Ask for it. Work on it.
Become your best brand ambassador: Not many colleagues, including managers, do a great job of sharing credit. Some even try and steal it. You owe to yourself that credit rightfully earned is protected. If you allow it to be leached, you have not defended your brand. Talk about what you have done. Even applaud and thank others who may have helped you to get to that outcome. This will, in turn, get others to acknowledge your support for them.
Go beyond just functional task delivery: For someone with 15 years of work experience, you need to go beyond technical expertise to enhance your career. You do not mention anything about your team. Or, your people leadership. How good a people manager are you? Does a good talent want to work on your team? Do you appreciate and recognise them? Do you delegate and empower effectively? You must work on these aspects. More than just functional expertise, career advancement will need you to demonstrate at least threshold leadership and soft skills proficiency.
Grow up: Howsoever brutal it seems, you need to really grow up in an organisational context. You need to speak up, and with persuasive confidence, when needed. Or, you will always be taken for granted. You need to trust only with adequate assurance of capability and integrity. Life will always continue to move on. If you want to be on the gravy train, you have got to grow up. Beyond a point, no one is waiting to do charity. Stand firm and be confident to be counted in. Or, continue to be counted out.
These five ideas should help you pause and reflect on your current situation. One, and possibly all, in various ways could help you revisit the way you are present yourself at your workplace. The change will have its regressions and challenges. But if you persevere with conscious determination, you will become a 'different you' at your workplace.
Prabir Jha is the founder & CEO of Prabir Jha People Advisory
Namrata Singh, TOI
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