Do you think 'over-performing' actually hurts a woman's career in Nigeria?
Context
There’s a common belief that working harder than everyone else is the surest way to get a promotion, but some experts argue that high-performing women often fall into traps like being 'too essential' in their current roles to be moved. Have you ever felt like your dedication at work actually made you indispensable in a way that stunted your growth? Do you think Nigerian workplaces value results over visibility, or is the office culture designed to keep top-performing women exactly where they are?
Top answers
Iziegbe Obasuyi
@iziegbeobasuyi77• 0mo ago
In many Nigerian corporate environments, the concept of being too essential is a very real challenge that often traps high-performing women in a cycle of endless execution rather than leadership. While hard work is generally rewarded with more work, it does not always translate to promotion if your leadership does not see you as a strategic asset beyond your current desk. This is why visibility and political savvy are just as important as results in our local context, where proximity to decision-makers often dictates who gets tapped for the next level. If you find yourself in this position, you should proactively document your wins and have explicit career pathing conversations with your managers to ensure your growth isn't sacrificed for your productivity. Ultimately, you must learn to balance being excellent at your job while intentionally carving out time to advocate for the advancement you deserve.
Comments
Terhemen Akume
@terhemenakume914• 0mo ago
This is such a sharp observation. I have seen so many talented women get stuck in the execution trap, becoming the go-to person for everything while being overlooked for the leadership roles they actually want. It is a tough pill to swallow, but I agree that the soft skills of visibility and office politics are often just as critical as technical excellence in the Nigerian corporate space. Do you think mentorship from senior female leaders who have successfully navigated this helps, or is it more about learning to advocate for oneself independently?