I know lots of technical wizards in healthcare, accounting, finance, and engineering. Only one problem! Many managers don’t have people skills. These nice folks went into professions thinking they could solve problems or help clients one-on-one.
These are capable and good professionals. However, they reach a social ceiling in their work and career. Much like the glass ceiling that thwarted women’s career progression, the social ceiling is the internal inability for socially challenged and inarticulate professionals to progress in their careers, work, or jobs.
There are lots of examples of this. Physicians don’t communicate well with patients or as commonly heard, the doc’s bedside manner could be improved. Accountants (CPAs) in Big 4 firms rise up the technical track to become partners, but can’t handle the people side or the selling side. Lawyers, who make partner through great litigation, but can’t shake the money tree to get new clients. Engineers, who are so introverted and introspective, can’t work as part of the development team. All of these are career killers.
Probably, one-quarter to one-half of the executives are in deep trouble due to poor people or poor communication skills. In recent times, the executive could be handled and messages spun. However, the current fiscal exigency and bailouts are forcing executives to provide testimony or communicate recovery plans. And, it’s pathetic. Most executives are inarticulate. At lower organizational levels, an immature outburst, harassment, or project team rebellion will put a career in jeopardy. These are career killers.
Life Lesson Earned: Read Marshall Goldsmith’s book What Got You Here Won’t Get You There. The bottom line is your professional skills that got you to your present level of success probably won’t get you to the next level. Look at our next story to check Goldsmith’s career killers.