5 Strategies to get out of professional stagnation

Even with a solid resume, many professionals feel they are not moving forward.The problem may lie in a lack of visibility, the right skills and intentional action.

Being stuck in a career, even with a good track record, is more common than it seems.

“You feel that you deliver results, have experience, but are not recognized. Meanwhile, others, apparently less prepared, pass in front of you”, says Virgilio Marques dos Santos, founding partner of FM2S Education and Consulting, PhD by Unicamp and career manager.

Santos explains that what is missing for those who are in this situation is not an unfathomable mystery.In most cases, it is three main factors: visibility (getting the right people to realize your value), and key skills (practical skills that the market requires today, such as communication, management and strategic decision making) and intentional action (stop waiting and start building the desired future). “The problem is that many professionals are afraid to take this step. It is more comfortable to blame the environment, the boss or the difficult moment of the market. However, those who change really understand that the power of transformation begins within themselves”, he analyzes.

According to Santos, stagnation at work is usually related to conformism to the current situation and the belief that only fulfilling tasks is enough. “Today, only the diploma is not enough. The differential is to show ability to solve problems, lead in uncertain scenarios and create innovative solutions“, says.

Check out five practical strategies indicated by Santos to unlock the career and build new paths:

1. Reinvent your routine: propose new solutions to old problems.It may be something simple, but it shows initiative and attention to what needs to change;

2. Learn something new and applicable: courses that combine theory and practice, focusing on day-to-day tools such as leadership, agile methodologies or team management tend to generate immediate impact;

3. Broaden your network of contacts: talking to professionals outside your circle can reveal opportunities and bring new ideas.The missing key to your turn may be with someone you do not know yet;

4. Show what you do: knowing how to communicate results is essential.“Reports, presentations or even informal conversations are valuable moments to highlight its impact”, reinforces Santos;

5. Face discomfort: getting out of place takes effort.It can be a change of area, a hard feedback or an unexpected challenge.

For the manager, stagnation is a phase that requires analysis and strategic action. “The key to getting out of the impasse is the ability to reevaluate one's own trajectory and take concrete steps to move forward, without waiting for circumstances to change on their own.