Workplaces have evolved rapidly over the past few years — with advancement no longer dependent on ‘loyalty’ and seniority. Shark Tank judge Anupam Mittal joined the discussion on Wednesday, outlining several key factors that influence promotions in the ‘new age workplace’.
“Used to be that tenure equals promotion. If you were ‘loyal’, you moved up. But times have changed. Clocking in 5 years is no longer leveling up. The market is moving at 10x speed. If you take months to study, strategize and adapt to a trend, toh aap already outdated ho. Rapid iteration based on 1st principles is the new intelligence,” he wrote on LinkedIn.
Mittal also recounted his own experiences prior to turning founder — noting that he had worked “90-hour weeks that delivered nothing” and seen “one thoughtful project deliver more value than months of noise”.
“Running in the same place is not progress. People who move up are the ones who measure their progress weekly, every week…The new-age workplace is not a school classroom where attendance equals passing marks. One has to take initiative, make decisions, be accountable and drive things forward, much like a founder,” he added.
Mittal also drew from his personal experiences to opine that waiting for a company to recognise your efforts and eventually promote you was an “awful way to manage your career”.
“Align with business objectives, deliver disproportionate value and then ask for that position or compensation you deserve. Before I was a founder, I tried to follow this playbook and usually came out ahead,” he explained.
Mittal has previously shared excerpts from his personal journey on social media platforms amid the 70-90 hour workweek debate — recalling how he had taken on responsibilities beyond his job description in order to forge ahead while working with MicroStrategy in Boston.
“Look, burnout is real. Balance matters. But let’s get one thing straight. The best people don’t count hours. They align to outcomes,” he had reiterated last month.