Myth: Promotions are given on a first come, first serve basis. Too many have made the mistake of believing that a promotion will land in their lap by just “putting in the time”. Not true!
If you’re ready for more responsibility and a bigger paycheck, if you’ve been passed over for a couple of positions or if you’re just motivated to give yourself the best possible chance for success… Here are steps you can take to enhance your odds of taking the next step in your career.
Be proactive and advance your career with these strategies:
1- Avoid gossip and drama.
There’s little to be gained by getting involved with gossip and drama. You’ll find that the real power players within your organization avoid this type of activity and think little of those that partake. You might make a new friend or two, but they’re unlikely to ever be in the position to help you.
2- Be orderly and organized.
Everyone should know that you have your work under control. If you’re disorganized, it gives the impression that you can’t handle your workload. Others will assume that you can’t handle more responsibility.
3- Provide solutions.
Most employees provide complaints, but no solutions. Stand out to the higher-ups by bringing potential solutions. You’ll be a breath of fresh air and make a great impression. Think about the issues in your workplace and begin working on a few solutions.
4- Ask what you can do to get promoted.
Ask your boss, or his boss, what you need to do to receive a promotion. You’ll be one of the few that have ever asked. And if you actually follow the suggestions given, your boss might feel obligated to give you that promotion.
5- Speak up at meetings.
The average employee detests meetings and either complains or has a blank look on their face while wondering where they went wrong in life. Stand out by paying attention and asking an intelligent question or making a pertinent comment.
6- Be reliable.
Get your work done on time. Show up to meetings on time. Arrive at work on time. You know which of your coworkers are reliable and which are not. Your boss is well aware, too.
7- Be willing to change departments or even companies.
To receive a promotion, there needs to be an opening. Depending on the size of your department and company, it might be a while. Consider your options outside of your current department.
8- Have a long-term strategy.
Take control of your career trajectory by having a Long-Term Career Plan, identifying where you want to be in the next 3, 4, or 5 years! Take that plan and break it down into small actionable steps. If you know that you eventually want to be in an executive role, make sure you’re taking on projects that will lead you there. If you’re looking for something less intense with job security, research the role that offers that opportunity.
Avoid being passive if you want to increase the odds of getting a promotion. Employers prefer employees that take the initiative. The worse thing that could happen is you look up and years have passed and you’ve only fulfilled the needs of your employer with nothing else to show for the time spent. Advancing your career is your responsibility.
Find ways to stand out positively from your fellow coworkers. Earn the right to expect a promotion, and don’t be afraid to look for outside opportunities, too.
Don’t feel that you have to figure things out alone. I’m happy to talk with you to get clarity!
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