Professional Development

Five things you should know if you’re young and trying to get to the top

Gen Yers are often ridiculed for their desire to get to the top fast. Most of us feel, however, that there is nothing wrong with being young and ambitious. But, if you’re making the choice to be on the fast track, be prepared; it’s not all fun and games:

1. It’s not easy to be in charge.

Sometimes it’s easy to look at those above you and think “What an idiot! I could do so much better than them.” Well, maybe you could, but there’s probably a lot more to the situation that you don’t know. (Of course, it’s also possible that they are really are idiots.)

Rachel at IHateHR laments on the challenges of being a good supervisor, saying “In addition to worrying about yourself and your career you have to worry about others and their career.”

It’s not just supervisory challenges that makes climbing the ladder hard. Executives have to make a lot of tough decisions, including: hiring, firing, compensation; while also dealing with issues such as budgets, profits, crisis control, and a whole lot more.   

2. You’ll need a solid footing to make your way up there.

Whether you have the goal to run the company or to be a division manager, you won’t get there alone. Before you go anywhere, make strong support network:

• Your mentors. Get at least two mentors – one inside your workplace and one outside your office. You’ll be thankful you have them later on.
• Your fans. If you’re on your way to the top, you’ve probably earned the respect of quite a few of your co-workers. It’s best to have an idea of people who your fans are so they can help with your journey.

You should also consider making the case for your advancement – not only with your higher-ups but with your peers. Accept all praise that comes with your way. You may even want to go so far as to subtly announcing some of your accomplishments. “I’m so excited I landed the Johnson account today!”

3. There is such a thing as getting to the top too quickly.

If you’re unprepared, this could devastate your chances at future success, especially at that organization. Make sure you’re ready and stay ready by:

• Reading up. Staying on top of your industry and role will be important to your success. If you’re going for a managerial position, read up on good managerial skills.
• Staying educated. See if your employer is willing to send you to a course on whatever skills you may lack for the position you want. You can also check out some online resources.
• Asking others. In Stumbling on Happiness, Daniel Gilbert, claims that the most reliable way for people to know what to expect is to ask others who have been in the same situation. Seek out those who have taken the fast track before and find out what they went through. What do they wish they knew before setting out on the journey? What would they do the same? Differently?

 4. People will treat you differently.

Once you get there, one thing may become apparent to you – It’s lonely. If you’ve taken the advice from #2, you might now experience this as much. However, a lot of young managers notice little things, like their peers no longer want to eat lunch with them.

Here are a few tips to deal with this:

• Give your co-workers a chance to digest your newfound position.
• Don’t gloat or abuse your power. (Ever.)
• Let your team know that you’re still a member of the team and their interests are your interests.

5. Some people won’t like it.

While many, many people have to deal with envy at work, the young and ambitious can be a strong target. Again, if you’ve set the stage, your sudden (or even gradual) ascent to the top may not be a shock to your fellow co-workers. However, no amount of preparation can prepare for the full range of human emotions your success might provoke.

In the most recent issue of Psychology Today, Judith Sills, Ph.D. in “When Green is Mean,” says “Envy is almost universally provoked by exceptional achievement.” She goes on to talk about her co-workers “sniping, cold, and critical” reaction to a best-selling book she wrote and how she was not prepared for that kind of reaction.

Whether it’s envy, sadness, anger, or a different emotion altogether, be prepared to accept that not everyone will be your fan. (Don’t worry - you’ll have plenty who will be your fans, too.)

So, should you do it?

Heck, yes, you should! While it’s a good idea to know what you’re getting in to, you shouldn’t let that hold you back from success.

Please share your own experiences or thoughts in the comments section.