Some people have no shortage of ambition, but no matter how hard they work and how much they apply themselves, they never seem to get any further in their careers.
While yes, a lot of professional success does come down to luck and who you know, some people have certain habits (or lack some) that keep them from climbing the ladder. Here are just a few things that hold people back from achieving their goals.
1. They’re afraid to toot their own horn.
Some people are so worried about seeming braggy that they never highlight their achievements. They assume their hard work will speak for itself, but in the bustling corporate world, it’s easy to go unnoticed. If you don’t advocate for yourself, who will? You’re not trying to show off by doing this, you’re making sure your contributions and talents are recognised. Don’t let modesty hold you back from showcasing your value to the company.
2. They’re stuck in their comfort zone.
The comfort zone is cosy, it’s familiar, and it’s a career killer. Many people avoid taking on new challenges or responsibilities because they’re scared of failure, completely unaware of the fact that real growth happens outside your comfort zone. If you’re not willing to take risks and stretch yourself, you’ll likely stay right where you are. Remember, every expert was once a beginner!
3. They lack a clear career vision.
Without a destination in mind, any road will do – and that’s a problem when you’re trying to climb the corporate ladder. People who haven’t defined their career goals often find themselves drifting from one position to another without making real progress. It’s like trying to reach the top of a mountain without a map. Take some time to figure out where you want to be in 5, 10, or 20 years, and then plot your course.
4. They’re not building the right relationships.
Like it or not, who you know can be just as important as what you know. Many people miss out on opportunities because they’re not networking effectively. This doesn’t mean you need to be best mates with the CEO, but building positive relationships across all levels of the organisation can open doors you didn’t even know existed. Don’t underestimate the power of a friendly chat by the water cooler!
5. They try to resist change instead of rolling with it.
These days, change is the only constant. People who cling to “the way we’ve always done things” often end up being left behind. Embracing change – whether it’s new technology, processes, or ideas – shows adaptability and a forward-thinking mindset. These are qualities that higher-ups love to see in potential leaders.
6. They lack emotional intelligence.
Technical skills might get you in the door, but emotional intelligence (EQ) helps you climb the ladder. People with low EQ often struggle to read social cues, manage their emotions, or empathise with people. As a result, they end to end up at the centre of plenty of drama, misunderstandings, and missed opportunities. Developing your EQ can make you a better communicator, team player, and leader – all very important things for career advancement.
7. They’re not investing in continuous learning.
In many industries, what you learned in school five years ago might already be outdated. People who aren’t actively learning and upskilling can quickly find their careers stagnating. Whether it’s attending workshops, taking online courses, or simply staying up-to-date with industry trends, continuous learning is key to staying relevant and valuable to your organisation.
8. They’re too focused on short-term gains.
Sometimes, people get so caught up in immediate rewards that they lose sight of the bigger picture. They might job-hop for small pay increases or avoid projects that don’t offer instant gratification. However, career growth often requires playing the long game. Those who can delay gratification and focus on long-term goals are more likely to make bigger strides in their careers.
9. They avoid feedback like the plague.
Constructive criticism can hurt, sure, but it’s also a must for growth. People who get defensive or avoid feedback altogether are missing out on valuable opportunities to improve. Taking feedback on board – both positive and negative – shows maturity and a willingness to grow. Plus, it gives you a roadmap for improvement that can fast-track your career progression.
10. They’re not solving the right problems.
Career advancement often comes to those who can solve big, meaningful problems for their organisation. However, many people get bogged down in day-to-day tasks without looking at the bigger picture. If you want to climb the ladder, start thinking about how you can add value at a higher level. What are the major challenges your company or industry faces, and how can you contribute to solving them?
11. They’re playing office politics… badly.
Like it or not, office politics exist in every workplace. Some people try to ignore it altogether, while others dive in head first and end up making enemies. The key is to navigate office politics with integrity. Build alliances, stay professional, and avoid gossip or backstabbing. Today’s colleague could be tomorrow’s boss, after all.
12. They’re not managing their personal brand.
I know this is the worst, but thanks to the internet, your reputation extends beyond the office walls. People who neglect their personal brand – both online and offline – might be missing out on opportunities. This doesn’t mean you need to become an influencer, but be mindful of how you present yourself professionally. A strong personal brand can attract opportunities and open doors you didn’t even know existed.
13. They’re waiting for permission.
Many people stall their careers by waiting for someone to hand them opportunities on a silver platter. They assume that if they work hard, someone will eventually notice and promote them. In reality, the most successful people often create their own opportunities. They come up with new projects, volunteer for tough assignments, and always look for ways to add value to their organisation.
14. They’re not balancing assertiveness and likeability.
Finding the sweet spot between being assertive and being likeable can be really hard. Some people are too aggressive and rub people the wrong way, while others are so concerned with being liked that they never stand up for themselves or their ideas. Learning to be assertive while maintaining positive relationships is a must-have skill for climbing the corporate ladder.
15. They’re letting imposter syndrome hold them back.
Even highly competent people sometimes feel like frauds who don’t deserve their success. This imposter syndrome can prevent them from pursuing promotions, speaking up in meetings, or taking on high-profile projects. Remember, everyone feels out of their depth sometimes. Don’t let self-doubt stop you from reaching for opportunities – you’re probably more capable than you think!
