Why Your Manager Doesn’t Have Authority Over Your Career Growth

As employees, we often look to our managers for guidance and direction in our careers. However, it’s essential to recognize that our managers only have authority over our job descriptions, not our career journeys. In this article, we’ll explore the difference between growing in a company versus growing in an industry.

Point 1: Job Description vs. Career Journey

Your job description outlines your responsibilities and expectations within a specific role. Your manager has authority over your job description, and they can dictate what tasks you need to complete and how you should perform them. However, your career journey is a personal and professional path that you should own and control. Your manager may be able to provide guidance and support, but ultimately, you are responsible for your own career growth and development.

For example, if you’re a marketing specialist, your job description may include tasks such as creating social media campaigns and analyzing website traffic. However, your career journey may involve developing skills in data analysis, learning about new marketing technologies, and building a professional network. While your manager may be able to provide guidance on your job description, you should take ownership of your career journey and make decisions that align with your personal and professional goals.

Point 2: Growing in a Company vs. Growing in an Industry

Growing in a company means advancing through the ranks, taking on new responsibilities, and developing skills that are specific to that organization. Growing in an industry, on the other hand, means developing skills, knowledge, and expertise that are relevant to your profession as a whole. While growing in a company can provide stability and security, growing in an industry provides flexibility and opportunities for advancement.

For example, if you’re a software engineer, growing in a company may mean advancing from a junior developer to a senior developer, and eventually, to a technical lead. However, growing in an industry may mean developing expertise in specific programming languages, attending industry conferences, and building a professional network of peers and mentors. While growing in a company can provide short-term benefits, growing in an industry provides long-term benefits and opportunities for advancement.

Point 3: Don’t Rely on Your Manager for Career Growth

While your manager may be able to provide guidance and support, you should not rely solely on them for career growth. Instead, take ownership of your career journey and seek out opportunities for growth and development. This may include attending industry conferences, taking online courses, or seeking out mentorship from someone in your industry.

For example, if you’re a sales professional, you may rely on your manager to provide guidance on sales techniques and strategies. However, if you want to develop expertise in sales analytics, you may need to seek out additional training or resources on your own. By taking ownership of your career journey, you can develop skills and expertise that are relevant to your industry and advance your career.

Point 4: Focus on Developing Transferable Skills

Transferable skills are skills that are relevant to multiple industries and companies. Examples of transferable skills include communication, problem-solving, leadership, and time management. By focusing on developing transferable skills, you can increase your flexibility and opportunities for advancement in your industry.

For example, if you’re a customer service representative, you may develop skills in communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. These skills are transferable to multiple industries and companies, and can be valuable in a variety of roles. By focusing on developing transferable skills, you can increase your career options and opportunities for advancement.

Point 5: Take Control of Your Career Narrative

Your career narrative is the story you tell about your career journey. It includes your experiences, skills, and achievements, and should be tailored to your personal and professional goals. By taking control of your career narrative, you can increase your visibility and opportunities for advancement in your industry.

For example, if you’re a marketing professional, your career narrative may include your experience developing social media campaigns, your skills in data analysis, and your achievements in increasing brand awareness. By taking control of your career narrative, you can increase your visibility and opportunities for advancement in your industry, and take ownership of your career journey.

While your manager may have authority over your job description, they do not have authority over your career journey. By taking ownership of your career journey, focusing on developing transferable skills, and taking control of your career narrative, you can increase your flexibility, opportunities for advancement, and career satisfaction. Remember, your career journey is yours to own and control – don’t rely on your manager to dictate your path.