I Shouldn’t Be Reporting To These Kinds Of People

This Friday, I overheard a frustrated employee expressing his dissatisfaction with his department head for hiring externally for roles that he believed should be filled by long-time employees like himself. He argued that the job of a manager should be to develop their team members so they can easily be promoted into these positions. He concluded his rant by saying, "I shouldn’t be reporting to these kinds of people."

Hearing him made me reflect, and I realized something important. When someone insists that they shouldn't be reporting to a particular type of person, it often reveals more about their mindset than about the other party. If you truly believe that you shouldn't be in that position, you'll find a way to change your circumstances.

When we think this way and hold onto these beliefs, it indicates that we're not taking full responsibility for our lives. Yes, it's great when bosses help us grow, but we can't rely solely on them for our development. We need to be proactive in acquiring new skills and knowledge, seeking different perspectives, and not leaving our future in the hands of others.

Having a mindset that focuses on what others aren't doing for you is a waste of your most valuable resources—time, energy, and focus. Instead, you should concentrate on what you can do for yourself. Think about lions in the wild; when they wake up hungry, their only focus is finding food. They don't waste time and energy complaining that the older lions didn't teach them how to hunt properly.

Complaining, blaming, and justifying are all detrimental to your growth. It's like giving someone else the driver's seat of your life and then sitting in the back, complaining about every bump and turn. You're upset they're taking the wrong route or not driving the way you'd like, but the truth is, you're the one who gave up control.

Remember, the only corner of the world you have the power to change is yours. Yes, sometimes we have bad bosses, but you can't change people or expect them to act the way you want. They're not responsible for your life—you are. If you're mature enough to find a job, you must also be responsible enough to ensure that you become the best candidate for the position you want. When you are valuable, the right people will notice. You might even end up being hired externally from another company because of the value you bring to the table.

It's not about having what you want in a specific location; it's about becoming the person who can achieve their goals no matter where they are. So, don't waste a single second blaming others. Take full responsibility for your life and make the changes you need to succeed.

With all my heart,

Salima