There’s an undeniable truth in the professional world: hard work and competence don’t always lead to success.
We’ve all seen it – a colleague who is incredibly efficient and diligent, yet never seems to climb the corporate ladder.
So, what’s holding them back? Often, it’s a series of subtle behaviors that can make all the difference.
In this article, we’ll explore these 7 behaviors that can prevent even the most hardworking individuals from advancing in their careers.
Recognizing them could be your first step to breaking through that professional plateau. Let’s dive in.
1) Avoiding risk
We often praise hardworking individuals for their dedication and persistence. However, in a work setting, this attribute can sometimes lead to an unexpected roadblock.
Let’s talk about risk aversion.
Highly competent and hardworking people often excel at their current tasks. They know the ins and outs, and can deliver high-quality results consistently.
But this comfort in familiarity can turn into a fear of stepping outside their comfort zone.
Risk-taking is an essential part of career progression.
It involves embracing uncertainty and taking on responsibilities that you’ve never handled before. It’s about volunteering for that high-profile project or asking for that promotion.
Unfortunately, many hardworking individuals shy away from these opportunities due to the fear of failure or criticism. This avoidance of risk can seriously hamper their chances of getting ahead at work.
So, if you find yourself nodding along, it might be time to reassess your approach towards risks at work. Remember, it’s okay to stumble as long as you’re learning and growing.
2) Perfectionism
Now, let’s talk about a trait that many hardworking folks, including myself, often struggle with: perfectionism.
Speaking from experience, I’ve always prided myself on my attention to detail and dedication to getting things just right. But over time, I realized this seemingly positive trait was actually holding me back.
Every project or task became a marathon of revisions and tweaks. I was spending so much time aiming for perfection that I was missing out on opportunities to take on new challenges and grow my skillset.
Perfectionism can lead to procrastination, missed deadlines, and burnout. It can also create a fear of failure that stops you from taking risks or trying new things.
In hindsight, I see how this behavior stunted my career progression for a while. And it’s a behavior I’ve observed in many capable and diligent individuals who struggle to get ahead at work.
So if you identify as a perfectionist, it might be time to reevaluate. Remember, done is often better than perfect.
3) Failing to network
In the world of business, who you know can be just as crucial as what you know.
Highly competent people often focus solely on their work, believing that their results will speak for themselves.
While merit is essential, it’s equally important to build connections within and outside your organization.
Networking doesn’t just mean attending events or making small talk by the water cooler. It’s about genuinely engaging with others, sharing ideas, and offering help when you can.
If you’re not already making an effort to network, it could be a subtle behavior that’s keeping you from getting ahead at work.
4) Lack of self-promotion
It’s not always comfortable to talk about our own achievements. In fact, many of us were raised to believe that self-praise is no praise at all.
This mindset can be detrimental in a work environment.
While it’s essential to be humble and gracious, it’s equally important to make your accomplishments known.
If you don’t, others might overlook your contributions, no matter how competent or hardworking you are.
In fact, overreliance on humility can often lead to a phenomenon known as the “impostor syndrome,” where individuals constantly doubt their achievements and fear being exposed as a fraud, despite evidence of their competency.
There’s a big difference between bragging and confidently owning your accomplishments. If you’re not advocating for yourself, chances are, no one else will.
5) Inability to say ‘no’
I’ve always been the kind of person who finds it difficult to say ‘no’.
Whether it was a friend asking for a favor or a boss piling on extra work, I often found myself stretching thin to accommodate everyone’s needs.
This tendency to constantly agree to everything can be detrimental in a professional setting.
When you’re always saying ‘yes’, you’re likely taking on more work than you can handle. This not only leads to burnout but also dilutes the quality of your work.
Moreover, it deprives others of opportunities to step up and share responsibilities.
Learning to say ‘no’ is not about being uncooperative or selfish. It’s about setting boundaries and ensuring you’re able to deliver your best work without compromising your well-being.
If you find yourself constantly overburdened and underappreciated at work, it might be time to practice the art of saying ‘no’.
6) Neglecting personal growth
In an ever-evolving business landscape, lifelong learning is a must. However, some hardworking individuals get so engrossed in their daily tasks that they neglect personal growth.
Competence isn’t a static state; it’s a dynamic process that requires continuous learning and adaptation.
Yet, some people fall into the trap of becoming complacent in their roles, failing to expand their skills or knowledge.
Whether it’s attending workshops, taking online courses, or even just reading industry-related books and articles, investing in personal growth is crucial for career advancement.
Failing to do so could be a subtle behavior that’s keeping you from getting ahead at work. Remember, the more you grow, the more valuable you become to your organization.
7) Not asking for what you want
In my experience, one of the most significant barriers to career advancement is simply not asking for what you want.
Whether it’s a promotion, a raise, or an opportunity to lead a project, many hardworking individuals assume their work will speak for itself.
They wait in the hope that their superiors will notice their efforts and reward them accordingly.
Unfortunately, this is not always the case. If you want something, you often have to take the initiative and ask for it.
It might feel uncomfortable or presumptuous at first, but it’s a crucial step in asserting your value and ambition. So don’t be afraid to speak up for what you deserve.
Final thoughts: It’s about balance
At the end of the day, the journey to career advancement is a balancing act.
Highly competent and hardworking individuals are an asset to any organization, but it’s essential to remember that it’s not just about working hard, it’s also about working smart.
Being aware of these subtle behaviors is the first step.
The next is to work on changing them, understanding that it’s okay to take risks, promote your achievements, network, and most importantly, ask for what you want.
The pursuit of success isn’t about completely changing who we are. It’s about finding the right balance between our work ethic and the subtle behaviors that might be holding us back.
Take a moment to reflect on these points. Ask yourself if they resonate with your current situation. After all, self-awareness is the first step towards personal growth and career advancement.
