You\u2019ve been working hard. Deadlines? Met. Expectations? Exceeded. You\u2019re doing everything right, so why does it feel like your career is stuck? It\u2019s frustrating when you know you\u2019re capable, but you aren\u2019t getting the opportunities to grow.<\/p>\n

What if the issue isn\u2019t your performance but the person leading you?<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s take a step back. Picture this: You\u2019re motivated, talented, and ready to take on more responsibility. But no matter how hard you try, you feel like your boss isn\u2019t advocating for you, recognizing your potential, or giving you the opportunities you deserve. Sound familiar?<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s the thing\u2014part of the problem isn\u2019t necessarily your boss. It\u2019s you and me\u2014the people seeking the promotion and the opportunity.<\/p>\n

Wait, before you say, \u201cThis lady doesn\u2019t know what she\u2019s talking about,\u201d<\/em> hear me out.<\/p>\n

Your boss is human. They\u2019re going to make mistakes. Maybe they\u2019re incompetent and were promoted because of who they know. Or perhaps they truly are the jerk you think they are. Regardless of who or what type of person you think your boss is, it\u2019s up to you\u2014and me\u2014to get the career we want and deserve.<\/p>\n

Remember, you are the driver of your ENTIRE career. Whether you leave a company for more money or better flexibility, it’s all about your career choice.<\/p>\n

With the right mindset and strategy, you can shift the outcome. Now, this doesn\u2019t mean everything you want will happen exactly when or how you want it\u2014or even at all. That might sound contradictory to what I just said, but there’s a reason for that (more about that in a future blog or YouTube video).<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s the good news: With the right mindset and strategy, you can<\/em> overcome this.<\/p>\n

First, Let\u2019s Talk About the Signs<\/strong><\/p>\n

How do you know if your boss might be holding you back? Here are some red flags:<\/p>\n

\n
• Micromanagement:<\/strong> If every task you handle is being scrutinized, it could mean your boss doesn\u2019t trust you to take the lead\u2014or they need to be in control. Sometimes leaders have their own micromanaging leaders scrutinizing their work, and employees feel the impact. Does it make it right? Nope. But it happens. More likely, they just don\u2019t know how to lead and were never taught by their manager or the company\u2014and that\u2019s a fact.<\/li>\n
• No Advocacy:<\/strong> If your boss isn\u2019t speaking up for you in discussions about promotions or projects, you\u2019re missing out on vital opportunities to showcase your talent.<\/li>\n
• Communication Blackout:<\/strong> Are you unclear about how you\u2019re doing? A lack of constructive feedback can leave you feeling stuck and unsure of how to advance. It\u2019s like you\u2019re guessing how to improve.<\/li>\n
• Playing Favorites:<\/strong> Watching colleagues get the chances you\u2019ve been waiting for is not only frustrating but also a clear sign something\u2019s off. Sometimes managers get so busy they give tasks to the person they know can get it done quickly. This frees them to focus on their own responsibilities. Is it fair? No. But again, it happens.<\/li>\n
• Same Old Routine:<\/strong> If your responsibilities never evolve, you\u2019re not being given room to grow.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

  If any of this resonates, it\u2019s time to dig deeper and figure out why this is happening.<\/p>\n

  Why Is This Happening?<\/strong><\/p>\n

  Let\u2019s be real\u2014sometimes, it\u2019s not about you at all. Your boss could be holding you back for various reasons:<\/p>\n

  \n
  • Fear of Competition:<\/strong> They may see your potential as a threat to their position.<\/li>\n
  • Overwhelmed:<\/strong> They\u2019re juggling too much and failing to prioritize your growth.<\/li>\n
  • Unconscious Bias:<\/strong> Sometimes favoritism is unintentional but still damaging.<\/li>\n
  • Lack of Awareness:<\/strong> They might not realize they\u2019re holding you back.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    It\u2019s frustrating, but you can\u2019t control how your boss behaves. What you can<\/em> control is how you respond.<\/p>\n

    So, What Do You Do?<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Here\u2019s how to take back control of your career:<\/p>\n

    \n
    1. Get Clear on Your Goals
       \n<\/strong>First things first\u2014what do YOU want? A promotion? New skills? More responsibility? Be specific. The clearer you are about your goals, the easier it\u2019ll be to create a plan to achieve them.<\/li>\n
    2. Ask for Feedback
       \n<\/strong>Don\u2019t assume your boss knows what you\u2019re looking for. Schedule a conversation and ask:<\/p>\n
       \n
       • \u201cWhat are the key areas I need to work on to grow within the team?\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n
       • \u201cHow can I position myself for more responsibility or leadership roles?\u201d
         \n<\/em>Feedback is your roadmap. Use it.<\/strong><\/li>\n
       • Bad managers are often poor communicators. They assume you know what the issues are\u2014but unless you\u2019re a mind reader, that\u2019s unlikely (yes, I meant to be sarcastic).<\/strong><\/li>\n
       • Before meeting with your boss, plan what you\u2019d like to discuss. Don\u2019t get upset if your boss doesn\u2019t have an answer on the spot, especially if this is their first time hearing from you. Extend them some grace, but end the meeting by saying something like, \u201cI\u2019d like to follow up on XYZ in our next 1:1. Will that work for you?\u201d<\/em> Ideally, they\u2019ll say yes. If not, ask them to suggest a time that does.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
       • Build Relationships Beyond Your Boss
         \n<\/strong>Look outside your immediate circle. Connect with other leaders, mentors, or colleagues who can advocate for you. These relationships can open doors your boss might not.
         \nIf you\u2019re anything like me and shy around new people or large groups, that\u2019s okay. Over time, it will get easier.<\/li>\n
       • Be Proactive
         \n<\/strong>Volunteer for new projects. Offer solutions before anyone asks. Make it impossible for your contributions to go unnoticed.<\/li>\n
       • Have the Tough Conversation
         \n<\/strong>If things don\u2019t improve, address the issue head-on. Frame it positively:<\/p>\n
         \n
         • \u201cI really value the work I do here and want to continue growing. How can we work together to make that happen?\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
         • Know When to Move On
           \n<\/strong>If you\u2019ve tried everything and nothing changes, it\u2019s okay to start looking elsewhere. Sometimes, the best way to grow is to find an environment that supports your ambitions.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

           A Final Thought<\/strong><\/p>\n

           Your career is your story, and you\u2019re the author. Don\u2019t let anyone else hold the pen\u2014including your manager.<\/p>\n

           When you focus on what you can control\u2014your goals, your actions, your mindset\u2014you take back the power to move forward. And remember, every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Just because you\u2019re going through this now doesn\u2019t mean it will last forever.<\/p>\n

           Your next step? Take action. Take 15 minutes today to reflect on your goals and plan your next career conversation.<\/p>\n

           You\u2019ve got this.<\/p>\n

           We\u2019ve got this. \ud83d\ude0a<\/p>\n

            <\/p>\n

           Success and blessings,<\/p>\n

           Lexi<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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