Last week we talked about the negative effects the Peter Principle can have on organizations. But what about individuals? If you find yourself succeeding at your current job–thriving even–it’s only a matter of time before that offer for promotion comes along. That’s how most companies work! But what happens when you know that promotion will put you in a position you don’t enjoy? With responsibilities you don’t want? Requiring skills you don’t possess, leading you further away from that which made you successful in the first place and away from the direction of your dreams?
On the one hand, most promotions come with increase pay, not to mention a higher feeling of status. Those can be tempting, to be sure. But basing your decision on those factors alone is inevitably short-sighted. No matter your status or pay grade, if the promotions won’t give you joy, serve your goals, or allow you to live your dreams — you are on a collision course for a “mid-life crisis,” that point in your life when you wake up and realize that where you are isn’t where you intended to be. It takes courage to ask that question — to consider the consequences of that promotion instead of simply leaping head first into the opportunity because it “sounds good” or is shiny. Just remember: we are the leaders of our own life, and giving up that power just because of what others think you should do will not lead you or your team to success. So before you jump, remember: when given the opportunity to rise to your own level of incompetence, a perfectly acceptable answer may well be “no.”
