Unlocking Your Career Potential: How to Move Forward When You Feel Stuck

By Erin Merideth

Are you a female leader in a large organization striving to get promoted yet feeling like you're running on a treadmill? You're not alone. Many women in your position face similar struggles — feeling undervalued, overwhelmed, and stuck in a cycle of self-doubt.

Hidden Challenges to Career Advancement

As a manager, senior manager, or senior director, you've worked hard to get where you are. But lately, it feels like you've hit a ceiling. No matter what you do, higher management doesn't see or value your contributions. Despite your efforts to get noticed, you're often left feeling exhausted and questioning your worth.
If this resonates with you, know that you're not alone. Many successful women face the hidden challenge of believing they lack the agency to change their situation. In reality, you can craft your role and advance your career. The future is full of possibilities, and you have the power to shape it.

Identifying the Core Challenges

Before we explore how to take control of your career, let's identify the main challenges you're facing:

 

Feeling Undervalued by Higher Management

You're dedicated, put in the effort, and deliver results, but it feels like leadership overlooks your contributions. This can be disheartening, especially when you know you have the potential for more.

Overcoming Barriers to Promotion
You've tried climbing the corporate ladder by taking on extra projects, attending leadership seminars, and seeking feedback, but everything has stayed the same. It's not uncommon to feel like traditional approaches to career growth aren't working.

Breaking Free from Self-Criticism and Doubt
There's a voice inside that constantly questions your capabilities, leaving you second-guessing your decisions. This inner critic often leaves you feeling frustrated and trapped in a self-created prison of perfectionism.

The Solution: Unlocking Your Agency to Advance Your Career
You have more control over your career than you think. You can transform your professional journey by job crafting and unlearning old behaviors. Here's how to leverage your skills and experiences to overcome frustrations and move forward

Redefine Your Value Proposition
Many women feel stuck because they wait for management to recognize their worth. Instead, focus on reframing how you communicate your value:

• Document Your Wins: Keep a list of your achievements, big and small. When it's time for performance reviews or meetings with senior leaders, be ready to share these accomplishments.
• Own Your Expertise: Stop underplaying your skills. Be intentional about letting others know what you've accomplished without feeling like you're bragging.
• Elevate Your Presence: Make sure your efforts are visible to the right people. Look for opportunities to present in meetings, mentor others, or take on high-visibility projects.

Craft Your Role to Fit Your Career Aspirations
Your job description isn't set in stone. Job crafting can open doors you didn't even know existed:

• Adjust Your Focus: Identify areas where you can bring the most value and align your projects accordingly. This will increase your impact and give you a sense of control.
• Leverage Your Strengths: Incorporate your strengths into your current role. This might mean proposing new initiatives or collaborating on cross-departmental projects.
• Seek Sponsorship, Not Just Mentorship: Mentors provide advice, but sponsors advocate for your career growth. Identify senior leaders who can help champion your work and open doors to new opportunities.

Transform Your Inner Dialogue and Overcome Self-Criticism
The biggest obstacle for many women isn't external — it's internal. Overcoming self-doubt requires intentional effort:

• Practice Self-Compassion: Acknowledge that perfection is not the goal. Focus on progress and celebrate small wins.
• Challenge Negative Thoughts: Recognize when you're being overly critical. Ask, "Would I speak to a friend this way?" Reframe these thoughts to be more supportive and constructive.
• Develop a Growth Mindset: Understand that setbacks are part of the learning process. Embrace the discomfort of growth and let go of the need to be perfect.

Taking Action: Your Roadmap to Career Advancement
Here's a practical action plan to help you break through barriers and advance your career with confidence:

1. Take the Promotion Archetype Assessment: Find out where you are and reflect on your career goals, achievements, and areas where you can craft your role.
2. Identify One Job-Crafting Opportunity: Choose one area where you can take more ownership — whether that's leading a new project, automating a process, or collaborating with another department.
3. Reach Out to a Potential Sponsor: Think about someone with influence in your organization. Schedule a meeting to discuss your aspirations and seek their guidance.
4. Start a Self-Compassion Practice: Spend a few minutes each day journaling about your achievements, positive feedback, and progress.

Final Thoughts: You Have the Power to Change Your Story
It's easy to feel disempowered when you're not where you want to be in your career, but the truth is, you have more control than you realize. By job crafting, advocating for your value, and silencing your inner critic, you can create a career that aligns with your goals and brings fulfillment. Practicing self-compassion and embracing a growth mindset are powerful tools to help you overcome self-doubt and achieve your potential.

You are not stuck. You are not invisible. And most importantly, you are enough. Your value is undeniable, and it's time to recognize and appreciate it.
Ready to take the next step in your journey to career success? Download our free guide on The Hidden Rules of Advancement".

Remember, your voice matters. Share your experiences, insights, and success stories with our community to inspire and empower other women on their career journeys.

Resources to help on your journey:

Take the Promotion Archetype Assessment

Download Your Free Copy of the "Hidden Rules"

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About the Author

I'm Erin Merideth, a Leadership & Talent Strategy Expert dedicated to guiding senior executives and Centers of Excellence at S&P 100 companies to create innovative workforce development practices. With over 25 years of executive experience, I've had a front-row seat to large organizations' behind-the-scenes dynamics and unwritten rules. I've coached some of the world's top business leaders, helping them strategically reach their goals while maintaining balance in their lives. I understand what it's like to feel frustrated at work because I've been there too — making it to the top and learning countless lessons along the way. My approach is practical, rooted in empathy, and focused on helping you succeed at both work and life by making strategic, empowering decisions.

To keep up with Erin, Subscribe to the Work Reimagined Blog or follow Unlearning Work on Facebook, Instagram, or  LinkedIN.

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