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Managers and leaders often feel pressure to keep climbing the career ladder. Promotions, titles and pay raises seem to be the ultimate signs of success, right?
While career progression is important, solely focusing on it can lead to burnout, stress and a constant feeling of dissatisfaction. It's a case of "the grass is always greener" whereas in my experience it rarely is!
Instead, what if we shifted our mindset? What if the goal was to add value to the team and organization rather than constantly chasing the next promotion?
The Stress of Striving for Promotion
When you're only focused on climbing the career ladder, it’s really easy to fall into the trap of feeling like you’re never doing enough. The next rung on the ladder is always just out of reach, leaving you with a sense of inadequacy or a feeling that, if only you worked a little harder, your efforts will be recognised and you'll have "made it".
This mindset can lead to chronic stress and burnout as the fear of falling behind or failing causes you to overwork, stretch yourself thin and neglect your own wellbeing.
Managers and leaders are especially prone to this kind of stress. Often, the higher up you go, the greater the expectations. The pressure to “keep proving yourself” creates a cycle of exhaustion. Before you know it, the career you once loved starts to feel like an endless pursuit of the next step rather than a fulfilling journey.
Adding Value: The Shift in Mindset
Let’s flip that thinking. What if (instead of focusing on the next promotion or pay increase) you concentrated on how you could add value where you are right now? This shift doesn’t mean you’re giving up ambition - it means you’re approaching your role with a different perspective.
When your focus is on what you can contribute, things start to happen:
You reduce stress by living more in the present, focusing on what you can control and influence right now.
You find greater job satisfaction because you see the direct impact of your work right now (today!) and the way it helps others.
You become a more valuable employee - not because of your title, but because of the real ways you help your organization succeed.
By finding ways in the present to enhance the productivity of your team, improve communication, or foster innovation & collaboration you become a leader who others look up to - not just because you hold a position of authority, but because of the positive influence you bring to work.
Happier, More Productive, More Valued
Research shows that when people feel like they’re contributing to something meaningful, they’re happier and more engaged at work. And when we’re happier, we’re also more productive and creative.
That sense of fulfillment and purpose isn’t found exclusively at the top of the corporate ladder - it’s found in the value we add each day, irrespective of the position you hold. It's found in the small victories and in the moments where we make a difference to the team members and colleagues we work with.
Leaders who focus on value over titles and status inspire trust and loyalty. Teams are more likely to follow leaders who demonstrate commitment to the collective goal rather than personal career advancement.
Ultimately, those leaders are the ones who tend to be recognized and appreciated which often leads to promotions anyway!
Ironically, the very path to success is often forged by letting go of the constant pursuit of it.
A Balanced Path to Success
Does this mean we should give up on promotions or career growth? Not at all.
The idea is to balance your ambition with a mindset that prioritises value in the here and now. Promotions and career advancements will naturally follow when you’re seen as someone who makes a difference.
By changing your focus to adding value, you'll feel more grounded, less stressed and more satisfied.
The next time you feel the pressure to prove yourself, take a deep breath and ask, “What value can I add today?” Posing this question to yourself can often be a stressbuster and it's also one step closer to becoming the kind of leader who's valued for their contribution - not their title.
Conclusion: We encourage leaders to adopt a mindful approach to their work. Mindfulness helps you (a) stay present, (b) recognise the value of your contributions and (c) reduce the stress of constantly striving for the next big thing.
By focusing on adding value and finding joy in the work you do today, you’ll cultivate a more fulfilling and successful career.