Climbing vs. Building: Rethinking Career Growth

We’ve been conditioned to climb the career ladder—one rung at a time, always pushing upwards. But what if that idea, one that’s so ingrained in how we think about success, is actually holding you back? What if instead of climbing, you started building?

Let’s talk about the career pyramid.

Why a Pyramid?

The career pyramid is about expanding sideways as well as upwards. It’s about trying different roles, learning new skills, and understanding how things work across different areas, whether in your organization or even across industries. The goal? Build a broad foundation that supports long-term growth. With a wider base, the higher you can eventually go.

The key to building that kind of foundation? Shifting from a performance mindset to a learning mindset.

Performance vs. Learning Mindset

A performance mindset is about checking off boxes, hitting targets, getting that promotion, or keeping pace with peers. There’s a sense of validation in it, but it can become limiting—keeping you in a narrow lane, climbing but not growing.

A learning mindset, on the other hand, is about embracing the process, being willing to stretch, and trying new things even when they’re uncomfortable. It’s about growth—both personal and professional. It’s where the real shifts happen, and it’s how you lay the groundwork for long-term success.

What’s Holding You Back?

Take a minute and reflect. Are you climbing just to keep up with others, or are you actually building something solid underneath you? Think about Satya Nadella. Before becoming CEO of Microsoft, he didn’t follow a straight path up the ladder. Instead, he explored different areas of the business, learning along the way. By the time he reached the top, he had the perspective and experience needed to lead through significant change.

That’s what the career pyramid is about—building a strong foundation so you’re prepared for what comes next, no matter how things shift around you.

Building Your Pyramid

So, how do you start? Simple: Stop chasing the next title for the sake of it. Instead, ask yourself: What skills haven’t I developed? What roles could help me see the bigger picture? It’s not just about climbing the fastest—it’s about building something that lasts.

When you focus on building your pyramid, you create a career that’s resilient and adaptable. You’re no longer just moving up—you’re creating a solid base that can support bigger moves, broader opportunities, and lasting impact.

Final Thought

The next time you’re chasing a promotion or comparing yourself to others, ask yourself: Am I focused on climbing, or am I building a foundation that can take me even higher? Am I operating from a learning mindset or a performance mindset? Are you driven by your own growth, or by how well you’re performing on paper compared to your peers?

Start building your pyramid—and see how far it takes you.