Overlooked for Director? Here's what you might be missing... (Leadership Insights: Week 2)
To all the seasoned Senior Managers who've recently faced promotion disappointment this year - I see you! The step up to Director isn't just another rung on the ladder - it's often a fundamental shift in how firms view your commercial value. And here’s something uncomfortable that many don't realise.... Not all Director positions are created equal.
One of the most overlooked aspects? Signing rights! This might seem like a small detail but for me, it’s the difference between being a Director in name only versus having genuine commercial authority. I recently spoke with a Big 4 Senior Manager who had impressive budget management responsibility but hadn't considered the signing rights angle. They'd interviewed for multiple Director roles not realising that without signing authority, they'd essentially be a Senior Manager with a fancier title. Don't fall into the job title trap!
Being brutally honest about where you stand is crucial. When I work with Senior Managers, these are the hard-hitting questions we explore:
- Are you genuinely operating at Director level already? Look beyond your current title - are you influencing strategic decisions, driving major client relationships and shaping team direction?
- Are you absolutely clear on the ACTUAL differences between Senior Manager and Director at your target firms? (Signing rights and leadership team exposure varies dramatically between organisations).
The market is fascinating right now. I'm seeing exceptional Senior Managers bypass traditional promotion paths by being strategic about WHERE they step up. Some firms offer Director titles freely but restrict commercial authority, whilst others are more conservative with titles but offer genuine leadership scope.
If you're feeling stuck, you’re not alone. I recently worked with a Senior Manager who'd been overlooked twice! Rather than jumping at the first Director title offered, we targeted firms where Directors had full signing rights. The result? They secured a role with genuine commercial authority, not just a title bump.
The leap to Director isn't just about years served - it's about commercial acumen, strategic influence, and understanding the importance of real decision-making power. If you're ready to explore what a genuine Director role looks like, let's connect - you can reach out to me at lt@tpi-search.com.
With the right approach, both myself and the TPI team can ensure your next move truly advances you in the direction you deserve.