Seniority—what does it really mean?

For some, it’s a title. For others, it’s about experience or recognition. No matter how you define it, being seen as “senior” is something many strive for, yet nailing down its meaning can be tricky.

That’s why we made it the focus of the first episode of #ToughStuff.

In this episode, Chiedza and Tanja discuss what being a senior truly means and how you can get there. Here are my top 3 takeaways from the conversation, which resonate with my own experiences:

1. A senior is someone who can communicate clearly, handle complex situations, and navigate dissent.

2. A senior goes beyond their role—leading by example, taking feedback, and seeing the bigger picture, even outside their own team.

3. Seniority isn’t just about the years, but they do matter. Those years provide context, especially in managing relationships—one of the hardest skills to master. (I’m team Chiedza on this one—sorry, Tanja! 😉)
   

What does being senior mean to you? If you’re hiring, what traits are non-negotiable? Or, if you’ve applied for a senior role and didn’t get it, what feedback did you receive?

And if you enjoyed the episode, please leave us a rating or comment—it’ll help us get #ToughStuff to more people!