Is ambition always necessary?

Posted by Sarah Hobbs

I am always very conscious that some of the people who receive this blog are not strongly driven for a fast track career. You may be interested in career advancement, but are focusing more on what you can achieve right now, and having an enjoyable job and good life balance. You are happy that your career will take its own course in its own time. But the challenge you might face feeling like this is that other people might mistake your balanced approach as having no ambition whatsoever. That can be frustrating!

The world is prone to simplification and seeing things in black and white, so be aware that your level of ambition lies in a distinctly grey area. Often, ambition can suddenly be ignited by the right project, role or manager (and so on).

So, how should you manage others’ perception of your ambition?

Set out your stall
If you aren’t clear about what you’re looking for, the gaps will be filled in for you. You’ll find yourself being identified for opportunities you don’t want and being placed in an uncomfortable position you didn’t seek. Being content to allow your career to evolve rather than driving it fast doesn’t mean you are excused from managing expectations – especially if you are seen as talented by your organisation. Take time to think about your aims, and what you really enjoy doing. Be clear with your manager about what you want – even if it’s just to continue what you’re doing for at least another year. The strongest approach you can take to get your career to evolve in the right way, is to constantly let people know what you love about the job you are doing, what excites you in projects and work you’ve done in the past. Make sure everyone knows the type of work that lights your fire.
Remain committed to excellence
Part of being allowed to focus on your own agenda is rooted in the fact that you deliver exceptional performance. Make sure you measure the positive impact you are having. Even if you’re not particularly ambitious, it’s good to have options – for example, there might be a side project that would interest you – you wouldn’t want to be excluded from being considered for this! If you consistently demonstrate that you are highly committed to doing the best for your manager and the organisation, you will win the right to be consulted carefully about any changes coming up, and that allows you a measure of control.
Maintain your network and visibility
Like the previous point, part of delivering excellence is about maintaining your interactions with others – however instead of your conversations being focused on career advancement, they will be focused on getting a great piece of work delivered. Other people are usually required in some form for you to get great results, and having that reputation and a great network makes your job interesting, fun and ultimately easier. Being known as easy to work with, and delivering great results, will keep many options open. In the turbulence of the 21st century this is your insurance policy – many things at home and work can happen unexpectedly, and having a network of supporters will help you meet those challenges.
Broaden and deepen your skills
Whilst you are taking a break from driving your career – whether that is a short or long term break – make sure that you continue to develop and hone your skills. Make opportunities to broaden your experience by looking around you and understanding what some of your colleagues and other teams are doing, and to develop yourself by working on strengths that you have, but are not currently being explored. Alternatively, pick some areas you are already working on and explore how you can deepen your knowledge and experience by sharpening what you do.

TAKE AWAY
It’s not a bad thing to be interested in other things than ambition for progression. But make sure that your reputation is positive, your interests understood, and that you invest time in staying flexible in your learning and thinking – so that you always have options.