Some people are perfectly happy with their role as an employee. Their jobs may provide the right level of income and satisfaction, and they don’t crave additional responsibilities. Other people, however, want to take their careers to the next level. And as they plot their way up the career ladder, they envision themselves being a boss someday.
Transitioning from an employee to a boss doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s not without challenges. Sometimes, getting your hands on a coveted position requires competing with other qualified candidates. And if you have entrepreneurship in your blood and want to be the boss of your own company, you might have to overcome your own fears and insecurities before you can take the next step.
This journey isn’t always easy, but it’s not impossible either. Need a little inspiration to reach your true potential? Here are five quotes to help you go from employee to boss.
1. The future depends on what you do today – Mahatma Gandhi
The average person doesn’t go from employee to boss without putting in their dues. If you don’t have a parent or grandparent grooming you to take over the family business, you’ll have to pave your own course and use your talent, education and skills to attain your career goals.
Whether you’re looking to become a boss at the company you work for, or you’re looking to run your own company, the actions you take today can help you realize this dream. If you’re not where you want to be career-wise, don’t sulk or give up. Do whatever it takes to acquire the necessary skills to advance your career. For example, get a mentor or seek out internships. Always continue to educate yourself.
2. It is never too late to be what you might have been – George Eliot
Once we reach a certain age, there’s a tendency to put our dreams and aspirations on the back burner or think it’s too late to make a career change. But just because you’re no longer in your prime doesn’t mean you have to stay stuck in a rut.
If you’re tired of your dead end job and you want something better for yourself, it’s never too late to advance your career. Negative thinking and lack of confidence will prevent you from reaching your highest potential. If you feel that you’ll make an excellent boss or a dynamite business owner, don’t let age stand in your way. Sure, you might have to compete with a younger crowd. But your experience and maturity can also give you an edge above the competition.
3. I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions – Stephen Covey
I realize it can difficult to rise above our present circumstances and seek better opportunities. But at the same time, I also know people who use their circumstances as an excuse “not” reach their goals.
To go from employee to boss, you have to let go of ideas that you can’t achieve great things because of your situation in life. Some of the most successful business people also had it rough, but they found the power to overcome adversities. Becoming a boss might not be a walk in the park or a quick journey, but every effort you make puts you a step closer to your goal. You won’t go far if you let present circumstances dictate your future.
4. No one can discover you until you do. Exploit your talents, skills and strengths and make the world sit up and take notice – Rob Liano
Don’t be afraid to take the initiative when it comes to your career. Presently, you might not have the skills or education needed to be a boss, but you can slowly move in this direction.
If you feel that you’re not being challenged at work, speak up and let your employer know that you’re willing to learn and take on more responsibilities. This can open the door to new assignments. The more you learn and grow within the organization, the easier it’ll be to move into a position of authority.
5. Dreams are extremely important. You can’t do it unless you imagine it. – George Lucas
If you don’t believe you can go from employee to boss, this may never happen. Telling yourself or thinking that you “can’t” can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. You have to believe in yourself and imagine yourself as a boss. If you doubt your ability, so will others.
The Takeaway
Going from employee to boss takes determination and hard work, but you can do it. The important thing is not to let yourself get stuck in a box. Believe in yourself, take the initiative, come up with a plan, and most importantly, be patient.