Finding Fulfillment When Your Manager Doesn't

Discover how to take control of your career and find fulfillment, even when your manager isn't invested in your growth. Use practical strategies for setting your own goals, seeking mentorship, and cultivating a growth mindset to thrive professionally, regardless of external support.

Published on September 3, 2024•By Joey Davis

In an ideal world, our managers would be our biggest advocates—championing our growth, investing in our development, and providing the guidance we need to advance in our careers. However, the reality is that not all managers see their role in this way. Some might dismiss your ambitions or tell you outright that there won't be any opportunities for advancement on your team. It's frustrating, demoralizing, and frankly, disheartening. But does that mean your professional fulfillment has to be put on hold? Absolutely not.

Here's how you can take control of your career and find fulfillment, even when your manager isn't on board with your development.

1. Define Your Own Goals

When your manager isn't invested in your growth, it's essential to take the reins and set your own goals. Get clear on what success looks like for you, independent of your manager's expectations or limitations. This clarity will serve as your guiding light, keeping you focused and motivated, regardless of the support—or lack thereof—you're receiving from above.

In my career, I've had a manager tell me outright, "You don't want to be a manager," which couldn't have been further from the truth. Another manager told me, "There won't be any growth for you or the team unless I'm promoted or leave the company." Comments like these can be disheartening, but they also served as a wake-up call to define success on my own terms. Whenever I witness these types of shortcomings, I think to myself: great book material. I plan to write a book one day, and these experiences will be invaluable. Instead of just negative experiences, I now see them as evidence for lessons that may be shared with others, benefiting us all.

Progress can be made by reframing experiences with context and feedback paired with establishing goals.

2. Seek Out Mentorship and Peer Support

If your manager isn't providing the guidance you need, look elsewhere. Seek out mentors who can offer the insight, advice, and encouragement your manager isn't giving you. These mentors don't have to be in your direct reporting line; they could be in other departments, or even external to your organization. With so many companies offering mentorship programs, it's easy to limit yourself to the culture and bias at your present organization. I personally recommend the external option as it has proven effective in my experience.

Additionally, don't underestimate the power of peer support. Colleagues at a similar career stage can provide valuable perspectives, share resources, and keep each other accountable as you all work towards your individual goals.

3. Invest in Your Own Learning

You may not have a manager who's actively promoting your development, but that doesn't mean you can't invest in yourself. Take charge of your learning by seeking out training, certifications, and courses that align with your career aspirations. Whether it's a technical skill, leadership training, or even soft skills like communication, investing in your own growth is a powerful way to stay engaged and make progress, regardless of the barriers your manager might put up.

4. Document Your Achievements

One of the most disheartening aspects of having a manager who doesn't care about your development is the lack of transparency around your performance and ratings. To counter this, it's crucial to keep a detailed record of your achievements, contributions, and the impact you've made in your role. Not only will this serve as a confidence booster, but it will also provide you with concrete evidence of your value when it's time to have performance discussions, or when you're exploring new opportunities—whether within your current organization or beyond.

5. Communicate Proactively

While it might feel futile to engage with a manager who doesn't prioritize your growth, it's still important to communicate your aspirations and achievements proactively. Schedule regular check-ins where you can share updates on your progress, discuss your goals, and express your desire for development opportunities. Even if your manager doesn't respond as you'd hope, consistently advocating for yourself reinforces your commitment to your own growth—and ensures that your ambitions aren't ignored.

6. Cultivate a Growth Mindset

A manager who doesn't support your development can make you feel stuck, but a growth mindset can help you see challenges as opportunities rather than roadblocks. Embrace setbacks as learning experiences, and view every challenge as a chance to develop resilience, creativity, and adaptability. By cultivating a growth mindset, you take control of your narrative, ensuring that your fulfillment and success aren't dictated by anyone else's limitations.

7. Explore New Opportunities

If it becomes clear that your manager's lack of support is more than a temporary setback and is genuinely hindering your career development, it might be time to explore new opportunities. Whether that means looking for a new role within your organization, transferring to a different team, or even seeking opportunities outside your current company, don't be afraid to make a change that aligns with your career goals. Your professional growth is too important to be stifled by someone else's lack of vision.

Your Career, Your Responsibility

At the end of the day, your career and professional fulfillment are your responsibility. While it's disappointing to have a manager who doesn't prioritize your development, it doesn't mean your growth has to come to a halt. By defining your own goals, seeking out mentorship, investing in learning, and proactively advocating, you can find fulfillment and continue progressing on your career path—no matter the obstacles in your way. Remember, the power to grow and succeed lies within you, and no one can take that away.

By taking ownership of your development, you're not just advancing your career—you're building the resilience and self-reliance that will serve you well throughout your professional journey.

@article{joeydavisme2024Finding-Fulfillment-When-Your-Manager-Doesnt,
  author = {Joey Davis},
  title = {Finding Fulfillment When Your Manager Doesn't},
  year = {2024},
  publisher = {joeydavis.me},
  url = {https://joeydavis.me/Finding-Fulfillment-When-Your-Manager-Doesnt},
}