It's not you, it's their bullshit.

LinkedIn reports that "the majority of U.S. professionals (58%) believe they have a wide range of skills that are being underutilized in their current roles."

I have felt this in every job I've had in the last ten years. Years after departing IBM Design I had the chance to grab a drink with one of the top leaders in my program. I shared that I genuinely felt bad for leaving, but there was nowhere to go. The guy across the table smiles and said, "it was an open secret that Greg Storey was grossly underutilized." That perspective was incredibly validating.

It wasn't me, the program was just in an awkward place without enough of the work I'm capable of doing successfully. I ran into this problem again and again until I got out and stayed out.

"My unsolicited advice for you on this lovely Friday? Don't wait for someone to hand you more responsibility.......TAKE IT. See a gap? FILL IT. Spot a problem? SOLVE IT. Then say, "It's done." Most organizations are running lean right now, and leaders are looking for people who raise their hand, step up, and make things happen. The person who wants it most usually gets it. You can choose to be quiet and frustrated, or loud, valuable, and advancing. It's your choice. Your career is a long game and sometimes feeling underutilized is the nudge that leads to your next big leap. Either jump, or jump out."

If your art collection needs a statement piece on classic asshole leadership then print that post out, frame it, and hang it next to your $6.2 million banana with duct tape.

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