Just because growth isn't visible to you doesn't mean it's not happening.
Here's my proven 8 step-framework to validate career growth:
Compare your current work to your work from 6-9 months ago across these dimensions:
1/ Leadership:
➜ Are you stepping up to take the lead more often, even without being asked? ➜ Are you more confident and ready to lead? ➜ Do you help and guide others more than before?
2/ Scope:
➜ Are your projects bigger and cover more than they used to? ➜ Do you have broader responsibilities now? ➜ Are you working with a wider range of stakeholders?
3/ Ambiguity:
➜ Are you better at navigating unclear situations and finding solutions? ➜ How have your problem-solving skills and autonomy developed? ➜ Can you handle change and lead others through uncertainty better now?
4/ Complexity:
➜ Are you taking on harder, more complex projects? ➜ How have your critical thinking and strategic planning abilities grown? ➜ Can you break down complex issues more easily?
5/ Execution:
➜ Are you executing tasks and projects more efficiently and with more independence? ➜ Have you found ways to make yourself more effective? ➜ Are you consistently delivering timely and high-quality results?
6/ Impact:
➜ Is your work making a bigger difference to customers and the organization more than it used to? ➜ How has the influence and value you bring to your team grown? ➜ Is your work noticed by more teams, given its positive impact?
7/ Influence:
➜ Are you more adept at influencing and inspiring others? ➜ Have you gotten better at communicating and resolving conflicts? ➜ Can you rally support and buy-in for your ideas more effectively?
8/ Thought Leadership:
➜ Are you coming up with more creative and innovative thoughts? ➜ How has the quality and completeness of your ideas evolved? ➜ Are you becoming recognized as a thought leader?
Movement along any of these dimensions = growth.
PS: Review your findings with your mentor and/or manager for an independent perspective.
