Patiently waiting?

I sometimes get the chance to have a one-on-one talk with a high member of management at the plant. I was recently reminded of a conversation with a top-notch manager concerning career goals.

"When I was a private, obviously I had to grow and learn, but eventually I came to realize my sergeant was making mistakes," he told me. "And I said to myself, 'Well, I can make those same mistakes,' and I went after it and I became sergeant."

"Again, I realized my superiors were still making mistakes so I said to myself, 'I can make those same mistakes, too.' and so I went for it, and got promoted again." His point was that I was being reluctant in pursuing higher goals because I felt inexperienced. He told me I would be ready one day and to seize the opportunity.

"Well, I don't want to be ruthless, to stab someone in the back to get where I want. I want it because I earned it," I explained. "Yeah, but you can't sit around waiting for it. Look at your boss, she's been here how long and just got to the top? You can do that, just go for it. You don't have to be ruthless, don't stab anyone in the back I'm not saying that, but you have to go for it if you want it. Just do it!"

...and yet as much as I agree wholeheartedly, this is one case in which I feel I must bide my time. It isn't worth destroying a quasi-friendly work environment with this person. When I gain the position it must be known to all that I earned it. I have a lot to learn concerning management and workplace leadership...things I intend to start learning before making the leap. So for now, I'm patiently waiting--reading, learning, perfecting my craft so I can train my future crew to be the best.