GET THAT NEXT PROMOTION, FAST.

I wish I could say promotions are handed out based on how great a job you are doing, and that’s all it takes. I also wish I could say that all managers keep an eye on people’s performance and will encourage people to go for a more significant role when the time for promotions comes. It does happen but not very frequently. Having said that, I believe it is people’s responsibility to drive their own careers, take ownership and plan for it, and ask for support and feedback. But, very often, many won’t. Especially women, and this breaks my heart. Women tend to do more without expecting a lot; they want things to be perfect and check all the boxes before they can be considered for promotion; they also need to know they are worthy of the next big role.

On the other hand, men will go for the promotion even if they are not ready. They will ask for more responsibility and more exposure whether they are qualified and ready or not. This is their natural predisposition.

There is no right and wrong; it is what it is. And hence, women tend to need extra support, extra recognition and encouragement so one day we can have a workplace that is gender equal. So one day, we have enough role models and mentors such that slowly and indeed, the natural predisposition of women changes, and they teach the next generation how to go for things they really want rather than get stuck on whether they deserve it or not.

So, if promotions are not handed out but planned for, how do you get to the next level in the time you have set for yourself? In this blog, I have detailed the steps to ensure you get where you want to be to succeed on your own terms. Let’s begin.

1. Check-ins: Hold regular 1-1 with your manager as a best practice to build a strong relationship, keep them updated on progress, and share updates regarding initiatives and people in your team and anything else that you are involved in. But also take this time to discuss your development and what that looks like. Discuss the steps you need to take to go to the next level and what support they can offer. Use this time well to manage up and get clarity on how you can get to the next stage.

2. Ask for feedback: This is likely an area that requires the most focus. Most managers are hesitant to give feedback, and most people are afraid of asking it. However, the best way to know exactly how you are perceived, your development areas, and how soon you can get to the next level is by asking for it! It is that simple. If you want to make it even more simple and easier, send a few questions in advance for your manager to ponder over. Most often, you will be pleasantly surprised by how well you are doing and thought of as well. And if you are not? I would also take that positively, as now you have a clear idea of what you need to stop/start doing to accelerate your growth.

3. Create a development plan: One of the sure ways to get to the next stage is to have a clear development plan. This should include exact steps on what you need to develop and deliver on, the support you need, how you will be assessed, and by whom. This includes knowing how to meet your manager’s expectations and the timelines as well for each area of development.

4. Build visibility: This is a critical step. Approval for promotions generally requires more people’s input than just your manager and HR. Understand what the process is internally and, therefore, who are the people who need to know about your great work as well as become aware of your potential? Then, build a plan to build visibility with them through 1-1 meetings, sharing your recent achievements, speaking at company events, asking your manager to help you with this etc.

5. Stakeholder management: I highly recommend building key relationships out. These could be people who are your peers, your manager’s peers, HR, and anyone who has influence in the business. Understand what drives them, what they look for in people, and what role you can play in contributing to their work, either directly or indirectly. Perhaps there is something you do in your day-to-day that can also help them or make their lives easier. It could be a one-off thing, but something that leaves an impression. Notice how I didn’t say something that impresses them or helps you get visibility. That will be short-sighted if you do as you are focusing on the outcome. What stays with people and leaves a lasting impression is when you help them do their jobs effectively without asking for it, thereby showcasing your expertise. If all you do is focus on impressing them with words without action behind it, believe me when I say there will be question marks when it comes time to decide who gets promoted. Actions speak louder than words.

So, hopefully, the above steps give you clear ideas on how to plan for your promotion. In addition to these steps, you also need to have specific behaviours in place that will get you noticed and make you stand out from the rest. Let’s explore them.

1. Manage up: This means ensuring your manager is updated about what’s on your plate, the initiatives you are part of, and the people you interact with (e.g. his manager). Basically, anything that makes their life easier, things they should be kept informed of and helps them trust you. Nobody wants a team member who keeps things from them, and they are caught off guard by some news they should have known from their reportee directly.

2. Take initiative: When a task is to be done, or an opportunity to lead a new initiative comes up, raise your hand. If you see something needing fixing or a clear owner to get it done consistently well, do it (and then let them know). You see, people who stand out are the ones who take the initiative. They don’t wait for people to tell them what should be done. They see something that requires attention and then do it. These people, they are invaluable.

3. Be positive: Cliché, I know. But I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to be positive. People want to follow those who inspire them into action. Who give them hope and show them a better way of doing work and building relationships. Nobody, not even the pessimists, like those who are negative. So, see good in people and situations and communicate that. There is always something good that comes out of a challenging situation or at least we can learn from it. The main thing that gets people through tough times are hope, positivity and willingness to do what it takes. Be that leader.

4. Be a problem solver: Be the one who sees something that doesn’t work and finds ways to fix it. If they can’t fix it, they come up with possible ways and can solicit help in doing it. At the very least, instead of bringing problems, they bring possible solutions or the will to improve things. Managers very quickly get tired of people who only bring problems on their plate – no matter how high a performer you are. Don’t fall out of favour but be in favour by having a growth mindset.

5. Be commercially minded: An essential trait no matter what function you are part of. Being commercially minded means doing what is best for the business. Making decisions based on how this benefits my team and my business will bring the best results. It seems simple in theory but rather challenging to find as people are so focussed on the task at hand and how they would like to do it they forget the greater agenda – moving things forward for the business. When you keep that in mind, you quickly understand the main objective (serving clients, retention of business, developing leaders etc.).

So, after taking specific steps and embodying specific behaviours, you should be on the right track to get promoted. Here are two bonus tips that will get you extra ready.

1. Write everything down: You are doing great things, making things happen, taking on +1 initiatives, helping others, and receiving good feedback from the team. Fantastic! But don’t forget to keep a running journal of accomplishments, feedback, involvements and contributions. You will need these when you are filling in your promotion form. It’s easy to forget all the things when you are going from one thing to another each day. But making a quick entry every week is very easy to do and ensures you have everything in one place.

2. Get involved in initiatives: These could be things like more significant projects outside your business unit, being part of employee resource groups, or conducting training on an area the team will benefit from. It could be anything, but something that helps you build your network, showcases your commitment to the company and helps you stand out.

When you take these actions and show up consistently based on these behaviours, you are showcasing that you don’t only do your job well and can meet all your yearly objectives but also demonstrate that you are capable and have the potential to lead yourself and others, so the decision to promote you for the next level is an easy one.

Lastly, is your next annual review coming up? I have a free resource that gives you detailed steps on what to do so you can ace that review and get the promotion you deserve! Click here.

I love hearing back from you. Do share your thoughts and stories, as it really inspires me to read them.

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Categories: : Growth, Management