Are you waiting for a promotion that never actually happens?
If you’ve been at your organization for a few years and are doing excellent work but still you don’t have the promotion you want, it can feel like real progress is simply out of your reach. You try and try, but no dice. It’s so frustrating!
The truth is, there are other factors that may be at work here.
Factor #1: Promotions are based on more than time
Regardless of how long you’ve been in a job, are you clear about how the decision-makers measure success? If you’re not, find a manager you can trust (your own or someone external to your department) and ask. Find out if there are things you aren’t doing or could be doing differently in order to show how great you are.
Factor #2: You need to speak up
So many of us tend to minimize our successes and accomplishments. Crow those from the rooftops! Bring your manager’s attention to the impressive things you’ve done—while recognizing the contributions of the larger team, of course. Don’t take credit for the things you didn’t work on, but make sure your boss sees the things you did.
Factor #3: You haven’t asked
Do the people you work with know you want a promotion? Have you ever told your boss you want to grow? Your ambitions need to be clear to the people who make decisions. Your work doesn’t speak for itself, at least in terms of your career trajectory. Let people know your goals and ask for tips on getting there. Additionally, keep track of your accomplishments so you can talk about them with people who make decisions in the organization.
Factor #4: You aren’t showing your leadership skills
Promotions mean more than just a new title. The next step up from where you are might mean managing people or projects or budgets. Your success in your current role is important, but you also need to show that you can be an effective in management capacities, so volunteer to take on some leadership roles on projects or ask to get additional training.
Factor #5: You don’t respond to feedback
It sucks to get “constructive criticism” that feels like an attack, but you can’t possibly be good at every aspect of your work, and it’s important to know what your weaknesses are and how to get better at them. (Note, though, that you will never be brilliant at your weakest areas. But you can get good enough at them that they don’t hurt your work.) Fight your natural urge to be defensive when you get feedback, and feel free to take time to consider what you’ve been told. If the comments have value, think about ways you can work on those skills. If you’re not sure, seek advice from trusted coworkers. Keep track of how you’re progressing so you can show that to your manager.
Factor #6: You stay in your sweet spot
Getting out of your comfort zone can show your manager you’re growing as a professional. If your only focus is the responsibilities of your current role, you boss probably thinks you’re working at your peak or are content with what you’re doing—or both. What are some new challenges you can take on? You’ll be a little nervous, but don’t let fear hold you back!
Have you succeeded in getting a promotion at work? What additional tips do you have for people in similar situations?
