Understand What Motivates Each Person

Not everyone wants to climb the corporate ladder. Some people want rapid career growth; others want to excel at what they do without taking on management. Both paths are valid, and great bosses understand what each person on their team wants.

The Career Ladder Myth

Organizations assume everyone wants to move “up.” But for many people, moving into management means doing less of what they love.

The Problem with “Up or Out”

• Loses great individual contributors by forcing them into management
• Creates bad managers (people who don’t want to manage)
• Punishes people who want to stay excellent at their craft
• Assumes ambition only means climbing the ladder
• Ignores people’s actual motivations and strengths

Steep Growth Trajectory vs. Gradual Growth Trajectory

Kim Scott proposes two valid career trajectories: people on a steep growth trajectory (ambitious for new challenges and promotions) and people on a gradual growth trajectory (ambitious for excellence in their current role).

Two Valid Paths

Steep Growth Trajectory:

• Wants rapid career progression
• Seeks new challenges constantly
• Willing to change roles, teams, or companies
• Energized by learning new things
• Thrives on increased responsibility

Your role as boss: Give stretch assignments, promotions, new challenges

Gradual Growth Trajectory:

• Wants to excel at current role
• Values stability and mastery
• Happy without constant change
• May have priorities outside work (family, hobbies)
• Not less ambitious—differently ambitious

Your role as boss: Honor their choice, give opportunities for mastery, protect from “up or out” pressure

Trajectories Change

People move between trajectories throughout their careers. Someone might be on a steep trajectory, then shift to gradual after having kids—then shift back years later. The key is staying in conversation.

Life Changes Career Trajectories

Events that might shift someone’s trajectory:

• Having children or caring for aging parents
• Health issues or burnout recovery
• Pursuing passion projects or education
• Life stage transitions
• Personal priorities shifting

Key Takeaways

• Not everyone wants to climb the corporate ladder
• Steep growth trajectory: wants promotions and new challenges
• Gradual growth trajectory: wants mastery and stability
• Both paths are equally valid and valuable
• People’s trajectories change throughout their careers
• Your job is to understand what each person wants and support it