Your boss’s approval isn’t a career strategy

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen this happen.

A talented, driven professional builds their entire career around pleasing their manager.

They take on extra work to help them meet a deadline. They pick up the tasks no one else wants. They rearrange their own goals to fit their boss’s priorities.

And at first, it works. Their boss notices. They get praised in meetings. Sometimes they even get a small raise or a new title.

But then the boss leaves. Or moves to another department. Or their priorities change.

And suddenly, the person who knew your value best isn’t in the room anymore. The new decision-makers don’t see your contributions in the same way. You’re back at square one, trying to prove yourself all over again.

That’s when it hits you:

Loyalty to a manager is fine. But loyalty to yourself is essential. Because no matter how great your boss is, they can’t be your entire career strategy.

You need relationships beyond your direct manager. You need other leaders to know what you do and why it matters. You need to say yes to opportunities that stretch you, not just the ones that help them.

Good managers will encourage you to do this. They’ll support your growth, even if it means you eventually move on. But not every manager will.

And when they don’t, you have to protect your own path.

Because managers leave. You stay. And you have to make sure you’re building a career that stands on its own.

What’s one way you’ve kept your career moving forward beyond your boss’s bubble?
Hit reply , I read every response.

See you next week.

Keith