WORKPLACE FABLES THE HARD-WORKING ASSISTANT WITHOUT A CAREER PLAN

Mark Price, former MD of Waitrose, shares his workplace fables – true stories from the business front line that can teach us lessons about career success

‘If I work really hard, I know I will be recognised by my line managers and promoted,” said the Hard-working Assistant to her friend.

“I think you need to plan at least a little,” replied the friend.

“I want to be a senior manager, and I’m going to prove myself,” said the Hardworking Assistant.

So she worked diligently: she had her eye on her boss’s job, and would prove she was the best candidate to get it.

One morning her boss’s boss, the Managing Director, arrived at the office and announced that the Hard-working Assistant’s boss had been promoted and that the new boss had been recruited externally. The Hardworking Assistant wasn’t happy.

“Why didn’t I get the promotion?” she asked the Managing Director.

“I had no idea you were interested in being promoted. You should have told us your career ambitions,” she said.

After a few years, the Hard-working Assistant’s Managing Director called her to her office and explained that the head of the office was leaving and she would be happy to interview the Hardworking Assistant for the role. She didn’t get it, however, and went to ask why.

“You do your current job well but haven’t developed relationships with people across our business or outside.”

Disappointed, the Hard-working Assistant became determined to build her network.

A few years passed and she was called in for another interview when the department head again moved on. She mentioned her expanded network and the Managing Director looked impressed.

But again she was unsuccessful. “You have proved you can do your job well and have a good network, but the person I’ve appointed has led and managed a team before. I don’t know if you can do that,” replied the Managing Director.

“This isn’t fair,” she said. “I’ve done everything you have asked me!” She resolved to look for opportunities to lead a team in future, hopeful that she might be considered for the role down the line.

Moral of the tale:

Own your own career development. It’s faster.