This snippet from Steven Bartlett book Diary of a CEO highlights an important reminder: don’t try to run before you can walk. Let me explain what I mean.

Understanding

Many of us don’t truly recognise when we’re ready for the extra responsibility that comes with a promotion. That responsibility often involves more than just new tasks—it’s about stepping into a different role entirely. Can you guess what it is? That’s right, it’s people management.

I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your life and career before leaping into a people management role. Have you truly mastered your craft, or are you still learning? As I’ve mentioned before, some say it takes 10,000 hours of deliberate practice in your field to be considered a senior, and even then, mastery remains a lifelong journey. The decisions you make now will have lasting impacts on your career.

Be Comfortable with Change

Growth requires adaptability. The ever-changing market can be unpredictable, and it’s essential to embrace that. Have you noticed that as you progress in your career, the seniority of your friends and colleagues also shifts? This happens because your career is a journey, and along the way, you pass through different stages and environments.

The colleagues you bonded with in your early days may no longer be the ones you need to surround yourself with now. One thing I emphasise to all my clients is the importance of building a network of the right people in the right roles to create highly successful and productive teams.

Set a Timeline

Rather than rushing into a promotion or being thrown in at the deep end, take the time to sit down with your manager. Request proper training and set clear goals to prepare yourself before stepping into the role. This approach ensures that when the time comes, you’ll feel ready for the promotion and the added responsibilities that come with it. You’ll also avoid the risk of being unprepared or blindsided by what the role entails.

Final Thoughts

This article is designed to make you pause and think carefully before taking a career step that could affect your personal brand.

Always stay in control of your career, and if you have any questions or need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out.