UNDERSTANDING CAREER PLATEAUING - IMPLICATIONS FOR COUNSELING

The pyramidal shape of most organizations dictates that virtually all careers will level out before an employee reaches the top of the insti tution, agency, or corporation. How to maintain or enhance worker prod uctivity and job satisfaction when an employee remains at a career lev el that discourages one's aspirations are concerns for career counselo rs, their clients, and organizational executives. This article defines career plateauing, explains types and sources of plateauing, and sugg ests counseling interventions that can help individuals to recognize a nd adjust to plateauing. In addition, we recommend proactive measures that will perpetuate the work motivation of effectively-performing pla teaued workers as well as remediate the work behavior of the ineffecti ve, plateaued worker. One of life's maxims is that all careers reach a level after which no higher achievement can be expected. From night w atchguard to chief executive officer, each person's career has its ape x. Thus, career plateauing is inevitable for all who strive and strugg le in the work world (Bardwick, 1986). The point in time when an indiv idual will experience, if not recognize, career plateauing is difficul t to predict as is the extent to which that person can influence the t iming or impact of this phenomenon.