Apply for the Pitcher and Quarterback Positions in Your Company

Most Americans, even those not particularly interested in professional sports, have heard of Eli Manning, quarterback of the New York Giants and Roger Clemons, former pitcher for a host of teams. But unless you are a die-hard fan, you probably don’t know of Joe Mauer or Devin Hester, both all-stars in baseball and football respectively. Why is this? Because in the world of baseball and football, the pitchers and quarterbacks typically hold the most recognized and, arguably, the most important positions on the team. The workplace is no different – all positions are not created equally. Some are more visible than others and will help you move up farther in your company faster.

So, what are these positions? Although they vary by company, in most organizations “line” jobs, those that have P&L responsibility, hold the most clout. These are the roles where employees are opening themselves up to greater chance of success… or failure. These jobs can usually be easily measured, are more visible and are therefore riskier. Many women shy away from this exposure to our own detriment. We hold ourselves back from attaining coveted corporate officer positions in big companies. In the Fortune 500, more women hold staff positions than men and fewer hold corporate officer positions. A coincidence? Perhaps. Would we be more successful if we pursued line positions? I think so.

And titles within your company aren’t the only things you should view through your professional sports lens. There are pitcher and quarterback projects as well. What are these? Projects that are higher risk but that provide greater visibility. Or assignments that are headed by a powerful member of the executive team or a vice president who has moved up through the ranks fast. Most guys in the office seem to instinctively know which teams they need to join and lobby for acceptance. Most women don’t. So, the next time you have a chance to move to another role in your company or take on a challenging new assignment, put on your professional sports cap and think ”pitcher” or “quarterback.” While the risk may be greater, the reward will be, too.

By Erin Wolf