The Public Service paradox: Too good at your job to get a new one
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You’re smart, reliable, and typically the go-to in a crisis. You often hear things like, “Thank goodness you’re here!” or “What would we ever do without you?”.
BUT. You’re. Still. Not. Being. Promoted.
Why?
According to leadership coach, Dr Kim Vella, it’s the great Canberra career stall. It’s not entirely unique to Canberra, of course, but a common experience for public servants.
“The public sector is complex, dynamic, and yes – it operates within a political system. Despite what anyone thinks from the outside, you can never quite understand the stressors that go along with the job until you’re in it.
“Fortunately, the public service attracts some brilliant people. Very intelligent, very driven, and so capable that they quickly outgrow their role and are operating well beyond their job description. The trouble is, they don’t always get promoted and are left wondering why. It feels like their career has stalled and every day they’re just running on autopilot.”
If you’re thinking this could be you, Kim notes five signs that it very well may be:
- You’re the go-to and everyone trusts you. However, you continue to be passed over for a promotion.
- Others get accelerated and you get a thank you.
- You’ve outgrown your job, and the thrill of what used to stretch you is now a sink without a plug…it’s draining you.
- You’re hesitant to speak up in meetings where there is a more hierarchical structure.
- You’re wondering if you’re not leadership material after all.
So, what can you do if any of these ring true?
“If you’re feeling or experiencing any of these signs, it may not be because of your team or your boss or the organisation. It might be coming from you. You might be hesitating, and if so, you need to uncover why,” says Kim.
“Usually, hesitation in these circumstances comes down to a perceived risk. You believe that by speaking up, claiming more leadership, or demonstrating certain qualities that you are risking something. Maybe it’s relationships with colleagues. Or the way others think of you. Or that it’ll place you in a situation where you could be blamed.”
Each of these risks is very valid.
As Kim acknowledgers, leaders do step on toes, challenge perceptions, and get blamed – it’s almost inevitable. But what isn’t inevitable is falling apart because of it.
“If stepping into the next level of leadership is important to you, then it makes sense to become more skilled in managing each of these risks in a positive way.”
Kim says it’s risk management 101: accept the risk and walk into the fire, avoid it and stay in stall mode, or take steps to mitigate it.
“Leadership training or coaching is risk mitigation because the right training will help you increase your capacity to handle any one of these situations.”
“If the perceived risk is that people will look at you differently, the strategy is to know what each moment is asking of you and to own it.”
“Lastly, if it’s a fear of blame, it’s worth being honest with yourself about whether you’re ready for the next level of leadership. Because where scrutiny is constant and decisions are rarely clear-cut, blame can emerge even when everyone’s doing their best.
“All in all, it’s about skilfully and purposefully practicing your leadership while moving through the risk in an authentic way. This is what I teach in the Leadership Strategies Workshops.”
Kim adds that if leadership training or coaching isn’t an option, you can start challenging perceived risks in lower-stakes situations.
“Remember, these are perceived risks, not realised ones. Challenge yourself to confront them by pressure-testing your perception in situations where the stakes are lower. When a leadership situation arises where you might normally hesitate, take note of the thoughts that are holding you back and then take a small step to overcome them.”
“It’s all about having the right mindset, so you can step into the next level of leadership capability where promotion is a no-brainer.”
For leadership workshops designed by public sector experts for public sector professionals, visit Kim Vella Leadership.
