Welcome to the Stop Sabotaging Your Success podcast, episode one hundred and forty-five. I’m your host Cindy Esliger. This is the podcast focusing on what we can do today to take control of our careers and overcome the inevitable barriers to success that we encounter along the way. 

In many workplaces, the metrics for success can be as clear as mud. You might think you’re doing all the right things – working hard, producing results, and staying on top of all the moving parts – only to watch others around you who seem to be coasting, get the promotions, recognition, and the rewards you’ve been gunning for. The truth is, your efforts may not align with what the company truly values, especially if the incentive structure is broken. When workplace incentives prioritize appearances, ‘face time’, or navigating office politics over actual productivity and results, even the hardest workers can find themselves stuck while others move ahead. 

In this episode, we explore how you can better align your efforts with what gets rewarded in your organization. Recognizing when these incentives are misaligned is critical because grinding away at what you think is important won’t get you ahead if it’s not what your company values. Failing to understand the real game being played can lead to a growing sense of frustration, or worse, career stagnation and possibly burnout. You may end up questioning your abilities, wondering why your work ethic and results aren’t translating into career progression. 

This misalignment between effort and recognition can be a career killer if you’re not careful. The key is to recognize these pitfalls, shift your focus to what you can control, and redefine success based on your own goals, not just the company’s skewed standards.

Maybe you’re already experiencing this in your workplace. You’re working your tail off, delivering solid results and then… crickets. Meanwhile, your colleague – who seems to have mastered the art of doing just enough to be visible without actually doing anything truly remarkable – somehow gets promoted. 

It’s maddening, right? You think, what am I missing? You might even find yourself slipping into a self-pity spiral, wondering if you’re just not politically savvy enough to play the game. Well, here’s the truth: you’re probably right. The problem isn’t that you’re bad at your job; it’s that the job – the incentives, the rewards, the recognition – just doesn’t value what you’re doing. I watched this happen a few times before I figured out there was something I could do about it. 

I want to assure you that you’re not alone. Plenty of us have fallen victim to workplaces that prioritize appearances over actual productivity. We grind out more work than anyone else, and we wonder why we’re stuck while others seem to leap ahead, even when we see that they’re all talk and no action. 

So, let’s break this down. What happens to us when workplace incentives aren’t aligned with productivity, and how can we get out of this rut? More importantly, why do these misaligned incentive systems seem to linger when they obviously don’t help us meet the project objectives?

If you’re focusing solely on productivity in an environment that values something else entirely, like ‘face time’ or who looks busiest, you’re running a losing race. But the problem isn’t just the misalignment itself; it’s what this environment does to your career over time. Here are just three examples of what can go horribly wrong if you don’t recognize and adjust to this misalignment: 

1. Your Work Ethic Erodes: Let’s say you’re someone who takes pride in delivering quality work. In a misaligned system, it doesn’t take long for that drive to falter. You start asking yourself, “Why am I putting in extra effort when it clearly doesn’t matter?”. You end up doing the bare minimum because, well, what’s the point? Eventually, your work ethic diminishes, which is ironic because that’s what you once prided yourself on. Even worse, you start to lose faith in your abilities because you’re not being rewarded for them.
2. The Pressure You’re Feeling Builds: You’re pushing yourself to produce results while being expected to sit in every unnecessary meeting or stay late just to be seen. The pressure builds, and with no tangible reward for your hard work – no promotions or recognition – you start to feel more exhausted and more cynical than usual. 
3. You Start Doubting Yourself: When you constantly see less qualified or less productive people rise through the ranks, you start wondering if there’s something wrong with you. This doubt can fester, leading to a crisis of confidence that affects not just your job performance, but your long term career trajectory. 

In these environments, mediocrity often gets rewarded. If the focus is on appearances rather than results, the person who “looks busy” or “fits the mold” gets the recognition. Efficiency and problem-solving take a backseat. Over time, this mediocrity becomes the norm, stifling creativity and ambition, and the best and the brightest will find somewhere better to work.

So, what can you do? You’re stuck in a system that doesn’t value the right things, but leaving might not be an immediate option. I get it – we all have bills to pay. How can you maintain your sanity, your integrity, and, most importantly, your career momentum? Here are five things you can start to focus on in order to play the game without losing yourself in the process: 

1. Set Personal Goals: If your workplace isn’t acknowledging your productivity, start by setting your own benchmarks. Define what success looks like to you and let that drive your efforts. Your personal goals will keep you motivated and give you a sense of accomplishment, even when external recognition is lacking. 
2. Document Your Achievements: Keep track of your accomplishments, even if your boss isn’t paying attention. Having a record of what you’ve achieved is invaluable when it comes time to advocate for yourself – whether it’s during a performance review or when you’re negotiating a new role elsewhere. Documentation is your secret weapon. 
3. Network Internally and Externally: This is where political savvy comes in. Yes, it’s frustrating that you have to ‘play the game’, but learning how to build relationships across the organization is key. It’s not just about doing good work; it’s about making sure the right people know you’re doing the good work. Also, start networking externally. Your next job may come from someone who recognizes your value outside of your current toxic work bubble. 
4. Manage Your Energy, Not Just Your Time: Instead of trying to keep up appearances, focus on managing your energy. Prioritize tasks that align with your goals and find ways to recharge outside of work. Protect your mental and emotional well-being. You can only endure a misaligned environment for so long before it starts taking a toll.
5. Learn the Unwritten Rules: Every organization has its own culture, and while it may be frustrating, understanding the unwritten rules can help you navigate more effectively. Start taking note of what behaviors are rewarded, who gets ahead, and why? While it may not change your immediate circumstances, knowing how the game is played where you are, will help you decide when and how to push for what you need. 

Now, let’s get to the bigger question: why do these misaligned systems continue to exist? Why are so many workplaces still measuring performance with outdated, irrelevant metrics? There are so many reasons why companies can’t seem to shake these misguided incentive systems. 

A lot of organizations are stuck in the past. They’re still using industrial-era management strategies in a modern world, where knowledge work and innovation are what truly drive success. Back in the day, ‘time on task’ was a reliable measure of productivity, but times have changed. Unfortunately, not every organization has evolved. 

Many managers still don’t trust their employees to get their work done unless they’re being watched. This ‘butts in chairs’ mentality is all about control. If you’re sitting at your desk, they think you must be working – whether or not that’s true. 

In some jobs, it’s easy to measure productivity, such as sales or factory work. But, in knowledge-based roles, it can be much harder to quantify output. Without clear metrics for success, managers often default to tracking easily measurable things like hours worked or emails sent. It’s lazy management, but it’s also common. 

Some workplaces simply resist change. The idea of moving toward a results-oriented culture – where employees are trusted to deliver and are evaluated on their outcomes – feels too risky. It’s easier for them to stick with what they know, even if it’s not working. 

When there’s a long history of valuing appearances over results, there’s often pressure to maintain the status quo. Middle managers, in particular, may fear shaking things up, especially if they’ve benefited from the existing system. 

So, while you may not be able to change the system overnight, you can take charge of your own career. Focus on what you can control: your goals, your energy, and your network. Play the game, but play it your way. Keep documenting your successes, honing your skills, and staying visible to the people who matter.

And, if the environment is draining you? Stay proactive about finding a different place that values results over appearances. They do exist, but they might be a little harder to find. Because at the end of the day, you deserve a career that rewards what you actually bring to the table, not just the number of hours you spend sitting in a chair pretending to be busy. 

But remember, the problem isn’t you – it’s the environment. Specifically, it’s the incentive structures that are completely out of whack. In some workplaces, what’s rewarded has absolutely nothing to do with the quantity or quality of work produced. But, this isn’t just a rant about unfairness – it’s about recognizing the dangers of this misalignment, the potential career catastrophe it can cause, and, most importantly, what you can do to protect yourself and even thrive in the midst of it.

Recognizing these dangers is the first step in taking control of your career, even in a toxic workplace. Here’s how to turn these potential pitfalls into opportunities for growth and resilience. First, admit that the incentives are out of whack. Once you accept that the system is broken, you can stop blaming yourself for your lack of progress. It’s not your work that’s the problem, it’s the environment. This realization alone can be empowering.

You can’t change the system overnight, but you can learn to play the game on your own terms. Build relationships, network, and stay visible, but don’t compromise your integrity. Focus on delivering quality work, documenting your achievements, and advocating for yourself when the time is right. 

If the misalignment is too severe, start developing your exit strategy. Take the time to update your resume and explore opportunities where your skills and work ethic will be properly valued. Even if leaving isn’t immediate, knowing you have a plan can alleviate some of the stress. 

Don’t let a broken system break you by protecting your well-being. Set professional boundaries and start cultivating a life outside of work. Remember, no job is worth sacrificing your well-being. Even if the current environment isn’t ideal, keep your eye on the bigger picture. Use this as time to hone your skills, expand your professional network, and strengthen your resolve. When the right opportunity comes along, you’ll be ready. 

Trying to change the entire corporate culture or the minds of your managers isn’t within your control. What is within your control though, is how you show up every day, the quality of your work, and your personal development. Focusing on these aspects will not only help you maintain your sanity, but it will also keep your career moving in the right direction, even if the company isn’t rewarding you yet. 

Feeling powerless in the face of a broken system can lead to disengagement, cynicism, and even a decline in work ethic. When you shift your focus to what you can control, like setting and achieving personal performance goals, you maintain a sense of purpose and forward momentum. Plus, when the time comes to move on, you’ll want to have built a body of work that reflects your capabilities, not a series of half-hearted efforts because you felt undervalued.

Set measurable goals that you can control and track, regardless of whether or not the company recognizes them. These goals should be aligned with your long-term career aspirations. For example, if you’re aiming for a future leadership role, focus on building leadership skills through mentoring others, taking initiative on projects, or learning how to manage up. Even if your current company doesn’t recognize or reward these efforts, you’ll be building the skills and experience you need for the next step in your career.

Just because the system is broken doesn’t mean you should let your work suffer. High-quality work is your calling card and it’s what will ultimately help you transition to a better role in a better company. But staying engaged doesn’t mean burning yourself out or allowing the company to exploit your commitment. This is where boundaries come in. 

It may be tempting to disengage or let the quality of your work slip when you feel like it’s not being recognized. But, the reality is, you never know who’s watching, and maintaining a high-standard of work will help you, both in the short-term and in the long run. That said, you can’t pour from an empty cup. It’s crucial to set boundaries that protect your well-being and prevent burnout. Just because the company has its priorities wrong doesn’t mean you have to suffer for it. 

Stay engaged by continuing to deliver high-quality work, but be mindful of where you draw the line. Set boundaries around your time and energy. For example, don’t feel pressured to attend every unnecessary meeting or respond to non-urgent emails after hours. Focus on delivering results in the areas that matter most, and protect your mental health by setting firm boundaries on the rest. It’s about working smarter, not working constantly. 

While you’re working in a broken system, it’s also a good time to start planning your next move. A poorly structured incentive system might not value your productivity, but there’s another company out there that will. Use this time wisely to prepare for your exit.

While your current situation might feel stagnant, recognize that it’s a temporary phase in your career. You can use this time to clarify what you want in your next role and position yourself for success when the right opportunity comes along. Think of it as a strategic pivot – your current job is giving you the financial stability to plan your transition, so use that to your advantage. 

Take the time to clarify what you want in your next role. Keep an eye out for companies that align more closely with your values. While you’re at it, brush up on your interview skills, and look for mentors or contacts who can help you get a foot in the door at other companies where you’re more likely to thrive. 

Remember, building a fulfilling career isn’t about winning every battle; it’s about playing the long game. In environments where incentives are misaligned, it’s easy to feel like you’re not getting anywhere. But, as long as you focus on what you can control – your personal goals, the quality of your work, and your future plans – you’re still moving in the right direction. 

While the frustrations you’re feeling right now are very real, they won’t last forever. By keeping your focus on the long-term, you can navigate these short-term difficulties without sacrificing your career or your sanity. Don’t get bogged down by a company’s inability to see your worth. You’re not just working for them – you’re working for you. Every skill you develop, every project you complete, and every connection you make is an investment in your future success. Just don’t stay in that place too long because, once it takes its toll on your confidence, it can be a long road back to your former self. Believe me, that’s what I went through. 

One thing that people often don’t realize is that you can be highly skilled, hardworking, and deliver exceptional results, yet still feel stuck where you don’t understand the unwritten rules of workplace politics. It’s not enough to just be good at your job; you have to know what is being rewarded in your particular environment. 

Many people miss this nuance and assume their hard work will speak for itself. But, in environments with misaligned incentives, visibility and political savvy often outweigh productivity and talent when it comes to advancement. Recognizing this and adapting your strategy is key to avoiding career stagnation. 

And that’s it for this episode of Stop Sabotaging Your Success. Remember to download your Guide to Rethinking Workplace Success at cindyesliger.com/ podcast, episode one hundred and forty-five.

Thank you to our producer, Alex Hochhausen and everyone at Astronomic Audio. Get in touch, I’m on Instagram @cindyesliger and my email address is info@cindyesliger.com.

If you enjoy listening to this podcast, you have to come check out The Confidence Collective. It’s my monthly coaching program where we dig a little deeper into what’s holding you back in your career, and we find the workarounds. We help you overcome the barriers and create the career you want. Join me over at cindyesliger.com/join. I’d love to have you join me in The Confidence Collective. 

Until next week, I’m Cindy Esliger. Thanks for listening.