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by Robin Sharma
What You Never Learned about Navigating Pay, Promotions and Politics in the Workplace
The Unspoken Truths for Career Success by Tessa White reveals essential, often overlooked insights for advancing our professional lives. The book provides practical advice on navigating workplace politics, building influential networks, and achieving career milestones.
One of the big questions that comes up as you try to navigate your early career path is whether it’s better to stay in your existing position or move on. The common advice is to remain in your first job for at least a year to gain experience. That’s a sound rule of thumb, but it might not hold in a toxic workplace. Sometimes you have to call it quits for the sake of your mental health, even if it’s not the savviest move you can make in your career.
As the old saying has it, prevention is better than cure. And the easiest way to avoid getting caught up in this dilemma is to learn how to identify toxic workplaces. Red flags are usually evident during the interview process. Your best bet here is to inquire about internal promotion rates within the department. A lack of internal promotions signals a disregard for employee development and growth – a sure sign of toxicity.
Observing how a company handles departing employees can also provide insight. For example, if employees are quickly escorted out after giving notice, it might indicate a lack of respect and trust. Another red flag is the presence of an “us versus them” mentality, where employees feel the need to protect their turf rather than collaborate. An environment like this can stifle the growth and development of younger, less experienced professionals.
Furthermore, consistency in leadership from the top levels, like CEOs, is essential. If a company’s priorities are constantly shifting, making it hard for employees to focus and deliver consistent results, it suggests a lack of clear direction and stability. This type of environment can be frustrating and demoralizing for employees, who may feel they are navigating a perpetually changing landscape without adequate support.
Finally, healthier organizations are often characterized by a sense of accountability and direction that starts from the upper echelons of management. In contrast, toxic organizations frequently blame lower-level employees for broader systemic issues, without making any significant changes at the top.
For anyone stepping into the professional world, it’s vital to be vigilant about these warning signs. Identifying and understanding the dynamics of a potentially toxic workplace can empower you to make informed decisions about when to look for opportunities that better align with your values and career aspirations.
The Unspoken Truths for Career Success (2023) doesn’t view the world of work through rose-tinted glasses. With challenges from toxic office cultures to remote work, hybrid schedules, and the ever-elusive work/life balance, building a successful career is a challenge. But it’s not insurmountable. By embracing practical strategies, you can overcome commonplace career hurdles and thrive in today’s workplace.
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Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trialBlink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma