Promotion Purgatory

I’ve found that one of the most critical elements to continued success after a promotion is your ability to understand that expectations have changed, and adapt to those new expectations.? This may seem like obvious, common sense, but many times throughout my career I've seen team members struggle after a promotion because the think success is based on "more" rather than "different." A good friend (thanks Gil Penchina ) and I were discussing why some superstars struggle after a promotion and others thrive, when he dropped a nugget I thought was a great piece of advice....

"The best way to fail at a job is to continue doing what you did to get the promotion."

Some skills are required at every level…communication, critical thinking, grit, etc, but the focus at different levels in the organization changes.

Consider what success looks like at different levels

IC - Execute specific tasks and projects

• Deliver high-quality work and meet deadlines
• Continuously develop and apply technical or functional skills
• Collaborate with team members and provide input or support as needed

Manager - Develop and manage team of high performing ICs?

• Set goals and objectives for the team, aligned with the overall business strategy
• Assign tasks, monitor progress, and provide guidance/feedback to team members
• Manage team performance and support professional development
• Handle day-to-day operational issues and remove roadblocks for the team

Director - Strategy Management

• Develop and implement plans to achieve departmental goals
• Manage a team of managers and provide leadership/direction
• Allocate resources (budget, personnel, etc.) across the department
• Represent the department's interests in cross-functional initiatives and decision-making

VP - Strategy Development

• Define the overall strategy and direction for a major business unit or function
• Manage a team of directors and oversee multiple departments or functional areas
• Make high-level decisions that impact the entire organization or business unit
• Collaborate with other VPs and the C-suite to align strategies and initiatives

At each level/promotion, if your focus was on what you were doing well at the prior level, you’ll be failing at the current level.

Embrace the change, adapt, expand your focus, and crush it!