For many career overachievers, the drive to excel is constant. These high-performers are always looking ahead, eager to take on more responsibilities, rise through the ranks, and ultimately land their boss’s job. While ambition is an essential quality for career success, there is one critical aspect that often gets overlooked: excelling in your current role before taking on more.

The Common Frustration for Managers

One of the most common complaints from managers today is that employees are too focused on what’s next and not focused enough on what’s now. Overachievers often want to take on new projects or responsibilities, yet they haven’t fully completed or mastered their current tasks. They overlook the fact that doing their current job exceptionally well is the foundation for earning the opportunity to do more.

Managers express frustration when team members are eager to move forward but fail to handle the priorities already on their plate. Whether it’s completing projects with precision or maintaining day-to-day duties, these “small things” often get neglected in the rush for greater opportunities.

Master the Priorities You’ve Been Given

The first step to achieving career success is mastering the responsibilities you’ve been assigned. It’s tempting to look at your boss’s job and think, “I can do that.” But the reality is, the people who move up in their careers are the ones who execute their current roles to the highest standard. If you haven’t mastered the present, why would anyone trust you with the future?

Start by asking yourself:

• Are you consistently hitting deadlines?
• Are your projects completed to the highest quality?
• Are you effectively communicating with your team and stakeholders?
• Are you managing your time and resources efficiently?

The answers to these questions are critical indicators of whether you’re truly ready to take on more.

Focus on the “Small” Things That Really Matter

What some people consider “small tasks” can often be the most telling indicators of an employee’s potential for future leadership roles. This includes things like attention to detail, how you communicate with others, and how you approach problem-solving in day-to-day situations. These tasks may seem mundane, but they are the building blocks of trust and reliability in the workplace.

Managers pay close attention to how well employees handle these responsibilities because it demonstrates their ability to be trusted with larger, more critical assignments. Your approach to these small tasks ultimately determines how you’re viewed and how soon you’ll be trusted with more significant projects.

Prove Yourself First, Then Ask for More

Once you’ve mastered the art of performing well in your current role, then—and only then—should you ask for more responsibility. If your manager sees that you’re not only reliable but also going above and beyond with the duties you’ve been assigned, they’ll be more inclined to trust you with bigger projects.

Being proactive is great, but it’s essential to focus on how you’re being proactive. Rather than asking for more before you’ve mastered your current role, demonstrate that you’re prepared for advancement through your performance. Actions speak louder than words, and your manager will be more willing to hand over responsibility when you’ve proven you can handle it.

Join Forces with a Highly Rated U.S. Recruiting Agency

If you’re looking for guidance on excelling in your current role or aiming to advance in your career, consider working with the experts at Murray Resources. Whether you’re looking for your next big career move or striving to grow in your current job, we can help. Explore our Job Openings or Contact us today to take the next step in your career journey.