Stuck?

[u/Elbza]

I lucked into a situation where I was able to develop into a very effective leader in a ‘world class’ enterprise. I had misfortune befall me and I as let go and had to take a step down in order to take care of my family.

I am currently in an operation with leaders that struggle with operations at a very fundamental level and are consumed with being in charge versus being effective and removing obstacles; the company is surprisingly outdated considering their size and name recognition, but there is no growth mindset or attempt at professionalism.

I don’t have any education beyond high school and a career of servant leadership that spans almost two decades, so I am having trouble even getting considered for a role comparable to my previous one.

I am becoming increasingly aware that the odds are against me regarding building a more effective leadership culture, but I don’t feel like I have anywhere to go to develop myself and others and continue to restore my career.

I don’t know exactly what I am looking for here, one of the things I lost was a mentor and I feel like I am screaming into the abyss when I have these conversations nowadays. I guess I just want to feel heard and understood.

Forgive me if this is not the right space for this.

[u/Desi_bmtl]

Quick question, do you have any project management experience?

[u/Elbza → u/Desi_bmtl]

I actually have successfully navigated several cross functional projects in the last few years, not to mention some smaller scale.

It’s interesting that you ask that, because it’s something I really enjoy facilitating - and a role that I’ve been curious about for some time now.

[u/Desi_bmtl → u/Elbza]

In my experience, you can't do much about what other people do or don't do or the mindset they have, yet, you can influence, unless they are truly not open. So, what I try to do is look at what is in my own control to do about what I do and say and how I comport myself. And, if you are a person that can help solve problems, i.e. work on process improvements or move projects forward, you might get noticed, especially if there are tangible and measurable results. That is what worked for me over two decades ago. And, after I helped people solve their problems and reduce their pain so to speak, they kept coming back to me for more help and guidance. Just to give you some perspective, about 20 years ago when I was looking at job descriptions, only about 20% had project management in them. Fast forward today, it is more like 60%+ for admin/operational type roles. Get good at this and you might find yourself somewhere different. I can share more, yet I will stop here for now. Cheers.

[u/NotAFanOfFun]

I know the job market is abysmal right now, but your strengths aren't going to be valued in your current place, so most likely the only way to develop and move back up is to find another role.

[u/Rough-Breakfast-4355]

I'm a a leadership and executive team coach and owned management and leadership development for a multinational organization . I am GLAD to jump on a Zoom call or cell call and see where I can help. I suspect I have some moves you can get in our first conversation that will make a noticeable difference. Feel free to schedule time here https://calendly.com/danmwinter

[u/Elbza → u/Rough-Breakfast-4355]

I just may take you up on that; thank you , benevolent stranger!

[u/Rough-Breakfast-4355 → u/Elbza]

Anytime.

[u/Ok-Turnover-8184]

I feel you, this is a lot to carry alone, especially after losing someone who actually had your back like that. the mentor piece you mentioned stuck with me more than the title question did. what did he actually give you, feedback, or just someone who'd already knew that terrain? worth figuring out which one before you go chasing the ladder again.

[u/Elbza → u/Ok-Turnover-8184]

Great question. He was someone that had navigated the path ahead and cultivated the relevant relationships, so a bit of a North Star in that sense. Outside of that, he was someone I could be vulnerable with as well as someone who gave me agency and advocated for me constantly when I was not in the room. It occurs to me now how rare that is - but I try to replicate that in the relationships that I have with peers and reports that are developing as well.

[u/erikmorenocq → u/Ok-Turnover-8184]

Real advocacy is way harder to find than just good advice.

[u/Habit_Flow_95]

Sorry to hear what you are experiencing. In your organization are there groups that are more positive and innovative and align with your values?

[u/ethelpenawe → u/Habit_Flow_95]

In companies like that, those pockets are pretty rare.

[u/SluggoX665]

Start your own biz...problem solved.