Fast Company Daily Are you too reliable to be promotable?
Jul 4, 2025
Exploring the fine line between being a reliable employee and a strategic leader, this discussion reveals how dependable doers can sometimes hinder their own promotion. It offers four actionable strategies to shift perceptions and strengthen leadership potential. Listeners learn the importance of self-advocacy and reframing their contributions, turning technical expertise into influential leadership. The journey from expert to leader presents unique challenges that require rebranding for career advancement.
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James' Stuck Expertise Story
- James, a medical tech firm's VP, was known for calm problem-solving and deep expertise.
- His reputation for fixing problems kept him from advancing to senior leadership roles.
Delegate to Lead Strategically
- Delegate low-stakes tasks to empower others and shape strategy.
- Redirect questions to build a team that owns answers instead of solving everything yourself.
Avoid The Hidden Gem Trap
- Avoid the 'hidden gem' trap of doing excellent work unnoticed.
- Align your results with company goals and communicate their strategic impact clearly.