The key to your next promotion
To be promoted or not to be promoted? That is the question.
It’s been three years since you started with your company. You’re exceling in your role, working really hard, and have delivered some great results. It should be a no-brainer that you’re ready for a promotion, right? Well, maybe.
As someone who’s managed many high performing professionals, I can tell you that while all of the aforementioned is great, it’s not all you need to get to the next level of your career. There are many factors that can determine if you will get promoted. You may be asking yourself how you can move the promotion process along sooner. The following tips can help.
Complete an inventory of your promotion readiness
Just because you feel like you should be promoted, doesn’t make it a fact. My first recommendation is to honestly ask yourself: What makes me ready for a promotion? How am I already performing some aspects of my role at the next level? What particular strengths or unique skills do I possess? Considering and working through these questions will give you an opportunity to identify what you bring to the table and help you support your own case for promotion.
Work with your manager to support your promotion
Not only will you need to make a case for your promotion, but your manager will also need to do the same. The promotion process in many companies involves leaders beyond your manager who must be convinced that you’re ready and prepared for a promotion. This is especially true if you’re being considered amongst peers at your current level. Make sure to keep a running list of your accomplishments, contributions and results. With this information, you can more confidently discuss promotion readiness with your manager to help them make a case for you.
Identify a group of promotion partners
If there are others who can speak to your contributions and performance in the company, ask for their support. These individuals can be leaders you have worked with or even peers you’ve supported during your time with the company. You can also identify opportunities that will bring greater visibility to your work. For example, if there is a project or assignment that will offer you exposure to more leaders, different teams or new skills, go for it and make as many connections as possible. The colleagues you engage with during these experiences can become champions in your case for promotion.
In closing, being promoted is not just about how long you’ve been in a role or simply feeling like you’re ready. You must be your own advocate and enlist champions and leaders to support you. Cheers to moving onward and upward in your career journey. You got this!
