Beyond the Fast Track: The Misconception of Rapid Promotions

Navigating the career landscape is akin to traversing a labyrinth; knowing when to change direction is crucial. Reflecting on some insights from my career and studies I want to share some thoughts on the dynamics of transitioning through varied roles in our professional journey.

Knowing When to Move On

We kick off with a philosophical note, likening career transitions to Nietzsche's metaphor of knowing the 'right time to die'—a dramatic portrayal of bidding adieu to old roles to welcome new ones. A story of one of my past VP’s advice at Amazon against sticking to the same position for over two years to avoid complacency echoes this sentiment. The essence isn’t about leaving your company, but reshuffling your role to keep the learning curve steep and the excitement fresh.

Keep the Wheels Turning

A buzzing organization is depicted as a self-rolling wheel, constantly churning with new projects and ideas. And if things seem stagnant, it’s up to us to reignite the momentum. Injecting fresh ideas, sparking discussions, and backing innovative teammates can unveil exciting prospects for the whole team. It’s about nurturing a culture where challenges are greeted warmly as they spark innovation.

Beyond the Comfort Zone

A personal story about considering a career in craftsmanship while also exploring academic and corporate goals highlights an important concept: just because you excel in one area doesn't mean you won't shine even brighter in another. Years ago, I was a skilled craftsman, even securing second place in a national competition. But did that mean I should have solely pursued craftsmanship? I pondered, believing that even if I was proficient in this craft, there could be other areas where I might excel even more. The story nudges us to step beyond our comfort zones and explore potentially larger vistas and underscores the essence of seeking beyond the known, beyond the comfortable.

The Long Game in Career Progression

Here’s where it gets interesting. Drawing from an analysis of top executives in DAX 30 companies Dr. Georg Kraus, it's highlighted that on average, it takes about 22 years for these individuals to reach the pinnacle of their careers, becoming CEOs. The detailed analysis portrays a picture of measured progression, with executives being around 53 years old on average and having spent about five years in their role. They were typically appointed as CEOs around the age of 48, having climbed through about six career levels to reach there, post a starting age of roughly 26 post-studies. This translates to about 3.7 years spent per career level on average, painting a picture of steady, paced growth.

Let's break it down with a simple calculation. At a major online retailer where I once worked, the entry-level for managers was Level 5, while the CEO was at Level 12. Notably, Levels 9 and 11 did not exist. So, in theory, I would need six promotions to reach the CEO position. That doesn't seem like a lot. However, if you spread that over an average of 22 years, it equates to about 4.5 years per job level. If you apply the logic that promotions come quicker in the early stages and slow down as you progress, you can develop a realistic timeline to gauge how hard to push at each level. I hope this perspective helps many managers, especially the younger ones, to understand that it's not realistic to expect a promotion every year.

This analysis busts the myth of rapid ascensions and underlines the importance of a balanced pace in career transitions. Continuity, especially in senior roles, is emphasized as vital for building trust and engagement with subordinates. Yet, the narrative also cautions against overstaying in a role to the point of blocking others’ career paths.

Mapping Out the Journey

Building a roadmap of our career aspirations can provide a realistic gauge of the pace at which we should be transitioning through roles. Especially for those early in their careers, the allure of rapid promotions can be enticing, but a more measured, thoughtful progression might render a more fulfilling and rewarding journey.

I hope these reflections offer a nuanced view on orchestrating our careers with a blend of ambition, patience, and well-timed transitions. It’s a gentle prod for us to keep evolving, not merely for personal growth but also for fostering a spirited and innovative work environment.

" Many a man also grows too old for his truths and victories; a toothless mouth no longer has the right to any truth.

And everyone who wants to have fame must say goodbye to honor at times and practice the difficult art of - going at the right time." - Friedrich Nietzsche

Find more insights in my book "Management meets Nietzsche"