Managerial Insecurity: The Silent Career Killer You Need to Address. Now

Have you experienced that feeling of frustration of feeling stuck?

The feeling that you know you could be doing better - utilizing your full potential.

But then, you also realize that what you're doing in your team. The decisions that are being made. They don't make sense.

If you were to take on them - you'd do them differently altogether.

And you see that year after year, everyone get's a bonus. Even if their performance is subpar.

Even if they've just pushed paper.

That's when I like to discuss Managerial Insecurity. And how it's affecting you. Silently.

Like inflation.

This concept, may be new, but it resonates deeply with many professionals. It's subtle, yet pervasive issue can derail your career and what you can do about it.

The Hidden Impact of Managerial Insecurity

Managerial Insecurity manifests when a manager's personal insecurities and fears impede focus, movement, growth of the business and therefore the growth of the team.

These managers often:

• Resist promoting talented employees, fearing they might overshadow them.
• Micromanage, limiting your autonomy and stifling innovation.
• Protrude in your ability to make calculated mistakes (growth).
• Provide vague or no feedback, leaving you uncertain about your performance.
• Act at times with condescendence as a result of their hypercontrol

Here's the thing.

These behaviors aren't usually born from malice. Or at least I like to think that way.

A low professional Self-Image and professional maturity on their side, can turn their impact on your career to something devastating, like inflation quietly eroding your savings.

How To Recognize the Signs

It can be challenging at first. But if anything, I'll tell you, it's a feeling thing. Not just thinking thing.

How does he/she make you feel. Are you a subject matter expert in the field? If so, how is his/her decision-making?

Here's some signs to watch for to identify if you're caught in a cycle of Managerial Insecurity:

• Stagnation: Despite your efforts and accomplishments, you're not advancing. It seems to never be "the right time".
• Lack of Recognition: Your contributions are consistently overlooked or undervalued, your passion unattended.
• Micromanagement: Your manager closely monitors your every move, restricting your ability to take initiative.

Again, how do those make you feel?

Take Action: Empower Yourself

Understanding the problem is the first step towards finding a solution. Let's start combat Managerial Insecurity and reclaim control over your career:

1. Seek External Feedback

If your manager isn't providing constructive feedback, seek it from other sources.

Unbiased subject matter experts are where you want to go. Colleagues on the field that'll tell you things straight.

Your wife or your brother won't count here (unless they're SMEs, and can be unbiased - you get the gist).

Connect with prior mentors, peers that are in the industry somewhere else. For better unbiased opinions, see what they're experiencing themselves.

Instead of asking them "what do you think?", you can ask them (without mentioning first that you have a problem) about their experience with so and so task.

2. Document Your Achievements

Keep a detailed record of your accomplishments, including metrics and outcomes.

I call this "Resume Cruise Control", where you write at least 2 bullet points on your draft resume every week.

It's sort of a Professional Self-Image to add clarity to your growth when no one else will. Review that weekly. See the progress, the achievements. Then compare and contrast.

It's ok to realize that they are wrong and you're right.

This documentation will also be invaluable during performance reviews or when seeking new opportunities.

3. Invest in Professional Development

Enhance your skills through courses, coaching, certifications.

Study diets, mindset. Work with others.

Daily.

Don't stay in the bubble.

Not only does this make you more valuable to your current employer, but it also gives you outside clarity.

Prepares you for future roles.

4. Network Strategically

Build relationships within the organization. Listen to the internal banter (don't become part of eavesdropping though) and outside.

Keep tabs on it - what's being spoken.

Your Networking can open doors to new opportunities and provide support from professionals who understand your challenges.

5. Have an Honest Conversation

If you feel comfortable, have a candid conversation with your manager about your career goals and the support you need.

Though be VERY careful. They may take it the wrong way.

So if you feel they will, then hold it. Look somewhere else.

If you do, approach this dialogue with empathy, focusing on mutual growth rather than criticism.

Start with their wins. How can you add to them.

They ability to have an honest conversation is typically in the 20% level. So most likely may not be a great option for you.

See The Bigger Picture: Aligning Career with Personal Vision

Beyond addressing Managerial Insecurity, it's crucial to align your career with your personal and professional values.

That's why we're discussing this in the first place.

This alignment fosters long-term fulfillment and success. It's your growth, nobody else's!

Reflect on your aspirations and consider whether your current role supports these goals is paramount.

Now here's the thing...

It's not easy to do, because you'll have the comfort of a job, and "suddenly" you'll realize you have to make moves.

Shift priorities. That will affect your personal life.

It may be time to explore new opportunities that better align with your vision.

My Journey: From Stagnation to Strategic Career Growth

I've experienced the stifling effects of Managerial Insecurity firsthand. A couple of times.

Let's just say enough times to learn how to navigate it and master it.

However, it's important to decided on how you're going to see it.

A setback or an opportunity?

I always choose the later.

By adopting a strategic approach to my career, I transitioned from feeling undervalued to landing my dream job.

And these Managers where part of the journey.

A journey that involved targeted outreach, consistent networking, and aligning my career with my personal vision.

Today, as a Career Strategist, I help others navigate similar challenges.

My client just got an offer with 37% higher salary and is negotiating another one with a 64% hike, so got to go!

Your Turn To Reflect and Act

What's next for you?

I invite you to reflect on your career journey. Are you experiencing signs of Managerial Insecurity? Are your career goals aligned with your current role? Consider taking proactive steps to address these issues and reach out if you need guidance.

Hop on a 45-minute Strategy Call with me, and I can help you assess where you're at, and if making a move (or not) is the right thing for you!

-Gonzalo

#CareerStrategy #ProfessionalGrowth #ManagerialInsecurity #Networking

————

I’m Gonzalo, a leading Career and Life Strategist ??. Not by ranking, but by real client results.

If you like this, click the bell (??) on my profile and hit Follow??

??Click on repost too so others can benefit ??

?? DM me and let’s build a relationship!