Navigating Career Success: Unmasking the 6 Hidden Obstacles
Six common derailers can negatively impact a person's career. These derailers, or dysfunctional interpersonal and self-regulatory patterns, can be hard to break due to their roots in the limbic system, which triggers a flight-or-fight response every time a person feels threatened. However, emotionally intelligent leaders know how to control their responses and design their environments and teams to keep themselves and others on track.These habits can be detrimental to your career and hinder your ability to succeed in today's competitive job market, this is why we at Ejad are presenting them to you on a silver plate so that you avoid them and flourish on your path to career success.
#1 Conflict Avoidance
Conflict avoidance is a habit that can lead to unresolved issues and strained relationships. To overcome this habit, it's essential to confront the issue directly and in person. Seek advice on how to confront the issue and consider shifting the person away from their leadership role if necessary.
#2 Impulsiveness
Impulsiveness can lead to unpredictable emotional responses and poor decision-making. To overcome impulsiveness, take time to reflect on previous knowledge, successes, and failures. Anticipate consequences by asking problem questions such as "What is most likely to fail in execution? What have I missed? How will this be perceived by others inside and outside of the organization?"
#3 Blame-Shifting
Blame-shifting is a common derailer that can lead to poor problem-solving and a lack of innovation. To overcome blame-shifting, call out the assumptions that enable it and move into problem-solving mode. Learn from your failures, acknowledge current constraints, and ask what you can do with the control and influence you do have.
#4 Insisting on Control
Insisting on control can lead to micromanagement and disengagement from your team. To overcome this habit, consider spaced-out check-ins in which you get updates, share goals and metrics, and offer advice, while still empowering your team.
#5 Perfectionism
Perfectionism can lead to missed deadlines and opportunities. To overcome perfectionism, focus on confirming standards with others. Seek their feedback on expected results, costs, and timelines rather than adopting extremely high ones.
#6 Power Hunger
Power hunger can lead to snap decisions and alienation of those around you. To overcome power hunger, put accountability measures in place. Share power by engaging individuals around their strengths and expertise.
Conclusion
To overcome these derailers, the HBR article “6 Habits That Hurt Your Career — and How to Overcome Them” suggests seeking advice on how to confront the issue, reflecting on previous knowledge, successes, and failures, anticipating consequences, calling out the assumptions that enable blame-shifting, focusing on confirming standards with others, and sharing power by engaging individuals around their strengths and expertise. By recognizing and addressing these derailers, individuals can improve their leadership and relationships, ultimately leading to career success.
Disclaimer: Your Career Journey Navigators at Ejad gave the HBR article “6 Habits That Hurt Your Career — and How to Overcome Them” a lively twist. Stay tuned for our revamped insights!