askST Jobs: I’m known as a reliable and versatile employee. Will that affect my career?
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Being reliable and versatile is positive as it signals that you can be trusted and can deliver under pressure.
ST ILLUSTRATION: MANNY FRANCISCO
In this series, business journalist Timothy Goh offers practical answers to candid questions on navigating workplace challenges and getting ahead in your career. Get more tips by signing up to The Straits Times’ Headstart newsletter.
Q: Could being dependable and adaptable shape my career opportunities?
Being reliable and versatile is positive as it signals that you can be trusted and can deliver under pressure.
But it can also influence your career potential as you could be viewed as dependable rather than “strategic”, said Ms Christina Tan, founder of sales training and coaching consultancy Sales Symphony.
“In some cases, employees who are very dependable find that they are not moved into bigger roles as quickly, simply because the team relies heavily on them where they are,” she said.
“This is not always intentional, but it can slow down professional growth if the person is not given opportunities to demonstrate leadership at a higher level.”
That is why it is important for competent professionals to recognise their own value.
If you are consistently contributing but not being developed or promoted, make sure you are building a strong track record that can support your next move – whether it is within the same organisation or elsewhere.
“Even work that happens behind the scenes can be positioned positively – keep a record of projects completed, problems resolved, difficult situations managed, and any feedback or recommendations you have received,” said Ms Tan.
“These are concrete examples of your ability to handle complex issues, work under pressure, and lead others when needed.”
Ms Archana Srinivasan, a certified senior professional at the Institute for Human Resource Professionals, said that if employees are solving problems that are not complex but more routine or operational, they may risk being seen as a “fixer-upper”.
“It may affect your career negatively and also cause burnout or dissatisfaction for you,” she said.
“But if you are solving complex, strategic challenges that others in your organisation or team are struggling to solve, it may end up becoming your competitive advantage and enhance your visibility in the organisation.
“This will enable you to attract not just good career opportunities, but also good relationships and eventually can lead to better rewards,” added Ms Archana.
Ms Tan also highlighted the importance of framing contributions strategically.
She said employees should ensure that their contributions are framed not just for fixing problems, but also as improving systems, preventing future issues, and contributing to business outcomes.
“Reliability is an asset... When paired with leadership, collaboration and clear communication of your impact, it can position you strongly for promotions and career opportunities,” she added.
