How do I get promoted?
I heard this question asked many times when I was managing large teams. There is no easy response to this question and I have also asked the same question of my managers over the years. I believe that it takes more than working really hard and being really knowledgeable in your area of business.
Here are some of my suggestions for getting on the right path for a promotion:
Be Visible - you need to show people the value you add. Let management know what you are working on that has added value to the team and the firm. Providing a weekly or biweekly update is helpful.
Be heard in meetings - Don’t sit on the side and take notes. Be engaged and ask questions. Always go to the meeting in person rather than staying at your desk.
Network - Don’t just sit at your desk all day. Make sure you build relationships up and down the org. Grab a quick coffee with a colleague or schedule a 1:1 with a senior manager.
If you don’t ask the answer will always be NO - If management doesn’t know what you want in your career they cannot help. Be sure to keep your manager aware of how you would like to progress in your career.
The right attitude matters - Be sure that you are keeping a positive attitude even in challenging times. Complaining doesn’t help, but providIng innovative ideas or solutions can help a team move in the right direction.
It isn’t always easy to get promoted even when you think you deserve it. One of the things you can do to get through it, is act as the leader you want to be. Once you act the part, the next step may not be as far away as you thought!
Here’s to your success!
Best,
Rene