I’ve encountered a number of counterproductive attitudes in the workplace, but one in particular really bothers me.
Too many people out there think they deserve career advancement for all the wrong reasons. For example, they believe they’re entitled to it because they’ve worked at the company for a certain number of years. Or, they think it’s justified because someone else just got promoted…and it’s only fair that they should as well.
This kind of approach easily leads to resentment because, in truth, these are not valid reasons. Career advancement is not a right. It’s not something you get just for showing up. It’s a privilege that has to be earned through your contributions. Further, it’s not enough for YOU to think you’ve earned it. You have to prove it to the decision-makers as well.
I’ve seen people earn promotions in incredibly short periods of time. I, myself, was promoted after 3 months at my last job!
I’ve also seen people remain stagnant for years, never earning advancement regardless of their tenure.
There are several factors that come into play here.
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