Since childhood, we have been fed by our parents, role models, education systems and the media this idea that as soon as we finish college and enter the workforce, we will miraculously make our way to the top if we work hard; each stride bringing forth attractive remuneration, fringe benefits, an eye-candy job title, with retirement plans galore. However, is that how it really works?
The reality is, that’s not exactly true, especially in 2020. The notion career advancement has transformed and we now need to re-orientate every generation, especially millennials and gen Z, about the brutally honest view of what the workforce is like in the modern world, by removing its old facade. However, it is not all going to be dawdling and persistent ascend upward. It’s a ladder that is broken or isn’t a ladder at all.
The usually referenced career ladder is more like a labyrinth with endless obstacles blending one part of life into another more significant part without warning. Embarked on this journey, there comes a moment where we find out who we really are, unraveling the true purpose of our lives. In this moment, we cultivate grit, establish grounds about our values and interests, and discover the real being hidden beneath the layers of our skin. So what are some ways that we can help future generations or ourselves climb this ladder, recognize broken steps and survive the maze of success?
Listen To The Voice in Your Head
Even though society ridicules aha moments, often calling them ‘midlife’ (or quarter life) crises, they sometimes force us to leap off the career ladder or sometimes we uncontrollably fall off or are forced off. This can bring us to what can seem like the lowest points of our lives, where despite the difficulties, we are somehow able to push our limits, and compel ourselves to get back on that career ladder. There is a voice inside our head who makes us reassess goals, pay heed to them with all our power and relinquish any fear that may get in the way of the voyage ahead. Climb, climb, climb and climb until you reach the top, yet, you may find whether at the start of your career or the middle or end that a few broken steps may be in your way. “Many people talk about the ladder of success but for many, the first three steps are removed. They aren’t there”, said Leonard Achan, US leading healthcare executive during a fireside chat in NYC.
Achan currently serves as the President of the Innovation Institute at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in NYC. With over 20 years of expertise as an executive, academic and clinician, he has had a variety of leadership roles spanning clinical, operational, digital, strategy, marketing and communications, branding, venture investing, innovation and business development and commercialization, Leonard Achan serves as a maven healthcare leader helping to transform the lives of millions with his incredible insights for over two decades.
Praised explicitly for his clinical excellence and leadership as well as civil service, Achan is the recipient of several accolades, including the William H Barfoot Award, the highest honor given by the New York State Troopers. In 2020, Leonard Achan received the Award of Distinction, the highest honor given by the Healthcare Leaders of New York of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) where I learned about him while listening to his fireside chat.
From listening to the interview, it sounds like the ladder of success he describes is more like playground monkey bars, the same bars that your young self, mastered to swing across, one after another, attaining momentum, holding on for so long at times, desperately hoping to reach the other side, and constantly falling down awkwardly in front of your buddies, just to get back on your feet, dust off, and pick up exactly where you left off. You had to trust your instincts at times and listen to the voice in your head before reaching for the next bar.
While listening to Achan, you realize that failure must be tolerated. Understanding that how to navigate out these moments of transition or failure is what will ultimately make or break you in the end.
Be On Your Toes for Lateral Moves
The major reason why success in career is not really achieved via a ladder is tha it would falsely paint a picture of slow and steady progress upward in a straight line. Yet, not many expect that there could be a few broken steps ahead, or monkey bars at the top of the ladder that will keep you stuck in one place. While you desire to forward progress in your careers, do not strain your neck by constantly looking upwards while opportunity for progression may be right beside you. So start to pay attention and grab it on the spot.
You must be equipped to make lateral moves and embrace them as opportunities. “Taking risks for me is something I’ve done since early on, raising my hand is something I have always done” says Achan. “You have to ask yourself if you are willing to do something different, or try something new”, he said. All you need to do is develop willpower, let go of a stagnant position you are holding on to, and grab onto a new position, even if it is not an upward move. If broken steps are ahead, look at how else you may be able to move and not get stuck in one place.
Take Risks – Failure is What Helps You Win
“Live vicariously through peoples’ mistakes and not their success”, says Achan. I wish the career counselors would have told this to everyone. No one ever gets to the other side of the monkey bars without getting bruised. Maybe watching a few kids try before I did, would have served me well. Epic fails are guaranteed, yet what makes you triumph is the ability to not give up.
The truth is there is no clear map or a secret recipe for success. It is a process where you allow yourself to embrace the mysterious and follow your instincts to achieve your goals. Obviously, you will fail miserably sometimes, but the failure would make you one step closer to know how to do it better the next time.
