Hard Worker Ka Nga, Pero…” Why The Best Doers Don’t Always Get Promoted
Grabe, guys. ‘Di ba, parang may ‘ningas-kugon’ phase tayong lahat sa work? You know, that moment na you’re super go-getter. You just want to prove na you’re a valuable asset. You’re the “go-to person,” the one they call when there’s a problem.
But, my friend, did you know that can be more dangerous than your ‘balat-sibuyas’ officemate? Being the “go-to person” can be a trap. It’s like love, ‘di ba? You keep giving and giving, until one day, you realize you’re stuck. You’re the one who’s always adjusting, always taking on all the work, but the credit? E, di wow. The promotion? Hay nako, baka ‘yung ibang tao pa ‘yung ma-promote.
Sabi nga nila, “hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.” But what if your hard work is the very thing that keeps you stuck? You’re so good at what you do that people start seeing you as a doer, not a decider. Parang ikaw ‘yung “Anong gulay ang marunong mag-billiards? Edi cue-cumber!”—you’re the one who executes, but not the one who makes the plan.
The Unspoken Truth: Why Hard Work Doesn’t Always Pay Off
To be honest, many of us Filipinos were raised with the mindset that “kung masipag ka, aangat ka.” And yes, it’s true to some extent. But it’s not just about hard work, ‘pre. Sometimes, it’s about being strategic.
The more you become known for your ability to get things done, the more you reinforce your identity as an implementer. Leaders see you as the person who can “make things happen,” not the one who “makes the decisions.” And guess what? Promotions don’t go to the hardest worker. They go to the person who shapes how work is prioritized.
Implementers get thanked. Strategic voices? They’re the ones invited to the meetings that decide the company’s future. They have a voice, they have a say. And you? Baka may meeting ka pa sa ‘yo na ‘yung meeting schedule mo, “paki-re-send po ‘yung files, tapos ‘yung report?” Hay nako, my friend, that’s not where the future is made.
How to Escape the Trap and Get Noticed
So, paano ka aalis sa ganitong sitwasyon? Well, it’s not easy, but it’s not impossible. It’s time to be a little bit ‘mayabang,’ but in a good way. It’s time to make your value impossible to ignore.
One of the most effective ways to shift people’s perspective is to build “Attention Assets.” ‘Yung tipong, you create things that pop up and say, “Uy, ‘di lang ito ‘yung taga-implement, ha? May utak din ‘to.” You can volunteer to present in meetings, share insights about the industry, or even start a mini-blog. Just like what Skylar G., a Senior Principal Engineer, did. He started speaking at tech conferences, and suddenly, opportunities came to him—speaking engagements, promotions, and the like. His value became undeniable.
Your New Mission: From Doer to Decision-Shaper
So, this is it, pancit! It’s time to shift from being seen as a doer to a decision-shaper.
Your action plan is simple:
- Build Attention Assets. Share your knowledge. Speak up. Present. Write. Make your thoughts known.
- Position yourself as a trusted advisor. ‘Yung tipong, before they make a decision, you’re the first person they consult.
Remember, my friend, you’re not just a cog in the machine. You’re the one who can design a whole new gear. ‘Di ka lang taga-deliver, ikaw din ang mag-didikta kung ano ang idedeliver. So, start now. ‘Wag mo hintayin na maging ‘pusong mamon’ at ma-trap sa support role. Maging ‘go-getter’ ka, pero para sa sarili mo naman. Sana all!
Article by: Engr. Jomel J. Kawi