When Loyalty Limits Growth: Career Moves with a Former Colleague
There's immense comfort in working with people you know and trust. That's why it's common for colleagues to jump ship together, especially if a senior leader is offered a new opportunity. However, I urge you to consider the potential pitfalls before following a former boss based purely on loyalty.
Sometimes, a move proposed out of familiarity might do more harm than good for your career trajectory. Let's discuss why and how to make the choices that benefit your long-term growth.
Case Studies
I've interviewed many individuals who followed their former bosses – sometimes across multiple companies. These situations often have a mixed bag of outcomes. Let's analyze a couple:
The Crutch: Darryl and Whitney
Darryl excelled under Whitney's leadership. Yet, a mutual dependency developed where Darryl compensated for Whitney's shortcomings. When Whitney offered him a role at her new company, Darryl accepted without hesitation. Soon, it became evident that Whitney was out of her depth, leaving Darryl struggling. Their relationship suffered, and he left to progress elsewhere, realizing too late that his loyalty had impeded his own growth.
The Shifting Tide: Melinda and Gus
Melinda thrived under Gus's mentorship in her first job. When Gus joined a start-up, he invited Melinda along. Initially, it seemed ideal. However, after organizational changes, Melinda found herself distanced from Gus, whose priorities had shifted based on the interests of investors. Though disappointed, Melinda used this as a growth opportunity, forging her own path and ultimately landing a better role elsewhere.
3 Lessons to Navigate Loyalty and Career Growth
These scenarios highlight crucial lessons for any professional considering a career move linked to a familiar leader:
Skill Alignment is Crucial: Honestly evaluate if your skills genuinely fit the new role or company. Blindly accepting an offer out of loyalty can backfire.
Know the 'New' Workplace: Research the new company's culture and values. These matter more than you think, especially if previous dynamics depended on your boss's influence.
Foster Self-Reliance: Mentors are invaluable, but prioritize your individual career path. Don't let loyalty stifle your growth or make you dependent on another's success.
Loyalty Has Its Limits – What's Your Next Best Step?
While loyalty is admirable, blind loyalty hinders your potential. Thoroughly evaluate the proposed role, the company, and most importantly, how it genuinely serves your skills and long-term aspirations.
Ask yourself:
Am I being offered this because I'm the best fit, or because it's the easiest choice for my boss?
Does this move open doors, or potentially close them in the future?
Am I confident in taking ownership of my success in this new environment?
Taking Calculated Risks for a Brighter Future
It is possible to have a loyal, supportive relationship with a previous boss while forging your own independent path. Conscious leadership involves recognizing that true long-term success means sometimes making independent, sometimes uncomfortable, choices. If you're ready to take that step, and to chart your own course, I have something to help.
Next Steps:
Start by downloading my free Career Mapping Workbook. This tool will guide you toward pinpointing your unique strengths and defining the next best step for you. Moreover, if you crave a community of like-minded professionals, check out my exclusive online space the Conscious Leadership Circle. Here, you'll gain support, valuable resources, and a chance to build meaningful connections.
Remember, charting your own course is courageous, not disloyal. Explore all your options and let your inner compass guide you to your greatest potential.
