What Kind of Deal Do You Want to Be at Work?
“I’m a pretty medium deal in my office, and I’m good with that.”
It was an offhand comment I made in a conversation recently, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized how true it was.
There’s often an expectation in professional settings, especially in education, that climbing the career ladder is the natural next step. More responsibility, more influence, and yes, more pay. And, for some, that’s exactly the path that fuels their energy. They thrive on taking on leadership roles, stepping into decision-making positions, and guiding the direction of their teams or schools.
But what if that’s not you?
What if your best work, your most fulfilling contributions, aren’t at the top of the hierarchy but in the daily moments of direct impact?
What if your influence doesn’t come from leading a team but from the way you show up in your role?
Let’s explore the different ways people bring their energy into the workplace. In an education setting, this becomes especially clear. Not everyone is built to take on the same type of role, and understanding how you naturally thrive can help you shape the kind of professional presence you want to have.
The Natural Educators
The magic of teaching lights up some people. They love planning lessons, engaging with students, and watching those lightbulb moments happen. Their energy is best spent in direct connection, facilitating growth and discovery in others. While they may have the skills to step into an administrative role, it might not bring them the same satisfaction as being in the classroom, where they can see their work in action.
The Strategic Overseers
Then, some love big-picture thinking. They enjoy optimizing systems, ensuring everything runs smoothly, and guiding a team toward a shared vision. They might find themselves drawn to leadership roles — assistant principal, principal, or district administration — because they see the value in influencing change at a structural level. Their energy thrives on coordination and direction rather than direct instruction.
The Collaborative Innovators
Some people work best in a collaborative flow. They may not want to be the sole decision-maker, but they thrive when they can contribute their insights, co-create with others, and drive meaningful projects forward. These are often your instructional coaches, team leads, or those who naturally bring fresh ideas and problem-solving strategies into their work without needing a formal leadership title.
The Reliable Stabilizers
Some bring a steady, reliable presence to their workplace. They may not seek the spotlight, but they hold everything together. They ensure that processes, schedules, and daily operations are functioning smoothly, and their work often goes unnoticed, until something goes wrong, and suddenly, everyone realizes how vital they are.
So, What Kind of Deal Do You Want to Be?
The key takeaway? You don’t have to be “a big deal” in the traditional sense to be invaluable. The question isn’t whether you should be striving for more responsibility, a new title, or a higher position. It’s about discovering where your natural energy is best spent.
Do you feel most alive when directly engaging with students?
Do you thrive when shaping policies, structures, or long-term goals?
Do you prefer to collaborate, offering guidance and support to others in their roles?
Do you find fulfillment in being the steady, grounding force that keeps everything running smoothly?
Recognizing your energy patterns and how you naturally contribute can help you align with roles that bring you the most fulfillment — without feeling pressured to take a path that doesn’t suit you.
