If you can’t move up… maybe it is time to move on.

Organizations constantly tout leadership development. Often I have seen employees jump through incredible hoops in order to move to the next leadership level or find their first leadership role. Participate in this leadership training or develop a mentor. Wait, neither of those was enough. Put together a large presentation. The list goes on. But each time, the feedback remains the same. You are a great candidate but you don’t have the experience we are seeking.

If you are seemingly trapped in a role, perhaps it is time to recognize that 1). Maybe they just don’t honestly see you as a leader 2). They don’t want to lose you in your current role 3). The organization may be struggling, and leadership simply can’t afford to take a risk on someone new 4). They believe it is easier and faster (code for less work) for them to hire from the outside. I have seen too often where people become miserable in their current roles and just continue to try to move up within the company. Open up to the idea that while trying to move up within your own organization, change may allow you to get to your final destination faster.