You absolutely can make a promotion happen for yourself this year.
Whether you’re aiming for an elevated position at a new job or want to move up in your current company, in order to do this thing right, you’ve got to think strategically.
What do I need to do to get a promotion?
What should I be asking for when asking for a promotion?
Why would I love to get a promotion?
As I like to say: ‘You gotta do the work to do the work.’ (Even if you’re not jockeying for a promotion - these actions will help you be a better employee, leader and coworker.)
There are a lot of factors when it comes to getting that sweet, sweet C-suite title, and this might be a shock… only 10% comes to actual job performance.
Seriously... insane yeah? The rest of the factors basically come down to how you’re perceived within an organization.
Meaning, your image. The perception others have of you. But even if you’ve got a rock solid image there are a few steps you need to follow:
Step 1: Decide on your goals.
This needs to be crystal clear. Not just “I want a promotion sometime soon.” but “I want to be made SVP of the Logistics Department.” The clearer the goal, the better you’re able to speak to it, voice it where it needs to be heard and work specifically towards it.
Step 2: Decide on a timeframe.
Again, not “I want to be made SVP of the Logistics Department sooner rather than later” but I want to be made SVP of the Logistics Department by September 3rd of this year.”
If you aim for a specific date you’ll be able to set clearly defined and quantifiable milestones along the way.
Step 3: Talk to your Mentor.
Talk to your mentor, your manager, coworkers, team, family dog - whoever you answer to in a professional capacity.
Ask them how you can proactively grow in the new role you’re working towards by the date you’ve set for yourself. Ask for active mentorship.
Unless you’re vocal, your manager may have NO IDEA that you want more. This means actually scheduling time with them and letting them know your goal. Set up a meeting, talk about your work, your desire to move up and ask for specific feedback on how to make it happen.
Step 4: Make a plan
When it comes time for reviews and promotions, if your boss knows you are working towards one, and you are invested in growing with the organization, you’re going to be first in line.
Be eager, professional, motivated and mindful about your own work and working with others. Be confident in your abilities and get the job done and to transition by the date you set - and make sure you are continually working with your boss to make sure you’re both on the same page about your desire to take on more and move on up.
In an ideal world this all goes off a-o-k without a hitch and totally in your prescribed timeframe (it actually does happen). But for some, the path may not be as fast, direct or linear as you like. Your company may not be in a position to give you the promotion you want or the compensation you feel you deserve at the time you want.
This is where it gets a little like buying a car… you gotta be ready to walk away.
You need to decide for yourself which becomes more important, the new title or the company you’re in. If your company can’t meet your goals, you will need to find one that does. And that’s ok! Your goal hasn’t changed - just the how you got there bit has.
If they can’t meet your goals, right now, but maybe in 6 months… then you need to decide if you are willing to wait.
Either way, you absolutely can do this!
Yours in career goodness-
EBS
P.S. You can absolutely, alternatively not do the typical ladder climbing. You’ve got options.
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EB Sanders
Career Coach for Creative Types
My Website | Free Stuff | Pinterest
Helping you figure out what you want to do and how to do it your way!
