My long-term goal was to run a manufacturing plant. Since I was just a shop floor employee, though, and the next step was to get promoted to a supervisory role in my department, I did everything I could to make myself the best candidate.

Then I was offered the chance to start up a new short-run manufacturing department. While not a promotion, it was a chance to further highlight my leadership ability and problem-solving skills -- to add things to my list of qualifications that no other candidate would have.

It sounded like a great opportunity, but I wanted to be sure. So I asked my department's manager for advice and expressed my biggest concern. "You know I want to be a supervisor," I said, "and I'm worried that taking this role will make me 'out of sight, out of mind.'"

Please select this link to read the complete article from Inc.