Why ‘Heads Down’ Career Advice is Outdated, According to Maryannjamieson

In a recent LinkedIn post, Maryannjamieson challenges the long-held advice of simply “working hard and keeping your head down” as an effective career strategy. The post highlights that while this approach may have been relevant in the past, the modern professional landscape requires a different approach to advancement.

Maryannjamieson argues that the traditional method of consistently delivering, avoiding attention, and expecting recognition has become obsolete. “Nobody sent a memo,” the post states, indicating a silent shift in how career progression actually occurs.

The Shift from Execution to Visibility

According to Maryannjamieson, the individuals who are advancing today are not always the most technically capable. Instead, leadership often promotes those they can readily envision in higher roles. This means that focusing solely on execution without cultivating visibility can leave professionals behind.

Maryannjamieson points out the significant costs associated with adhering to outdated advice:

“Your ideas get picked up in rooms you weren’t in”

This lack of visibility means that contributions might be attributed to others or go unnoticed entirely. Furthermore, the post elaborates on other consequences:

• Your name doesn’t come up when opportunities are being discussed
• You get labelled reliable, not ready for more
• You become the safe pair of hands, not the next leader

Competence Needs Visibility

The core of Maryannjamieson’s message is that “competence without visibility hides your expertise from the people who need it.” The post stresses that simply performing well is no longer sufficient for career growth. Instead, professionals need to actively ensure their work and ideas are recognized.

Maryannjamieson clarifies that this doesn’t advocate for boastfulness. Rather, it’s about moving away from the assumption that great work will naturally speak for itself. “It doesn’t,” the post asserts. “People do.” This emphasizes the crucial role of interpersonal influence and self-advocacy in career development.

“You don’t need to become someone who brags. You do need to stop assuming great work speaks for itself.”

Reclaiming Your Earned Space

The post offers empowering affirmations for professionals who may have been hesitant to self-promote:

• You’re allowed to be known for what you do.
• You’re allowed to say “that was my idea.”
• You’re allowed to take up space you’ve already earned.

Maryannjamieson concludes by reiterating that the old advice was not inherently wrong for its time, but the professional environment has evolved. “The advice wasn’t wrong for the era it came from. But you’re not building a career in that era anymore,” the post states, encouraging readers to adapt their strategies for contemporary success.