Make Job Promotion a Reality For You
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Whether you’re outdoors reveling in the warm air or you’re a curious window shopper gazing at the new pastel-colored clothing in store windows, it is clear; we’re now well into Spring. And, to many of us, that is a welcome change. With a new season often comes a desire for transition in other parts of our lives as well, such as creating a fresh new look in our garden or home decor. But, let’s not stop there. As part of this process, how about also considering possible change in your career.



When you do take stock of that part of your life and how it’s progressing, do you find that everything is just right? For example, within the organization you work, are you in the position you want to be in right now? OR, have you been thinking for some time that you really want, deserve, and are ready to get promoted, but wondering what you can do to make that a reality? If the latter scenario applies, you might want to consider taking these constructive actions.



TO SHOW YOUR BOSS THAT YOU ARE READY FOR PROMOTION:

  • Do the best job that you can in your current job/position.
    Know what others expect of you and always strive to exceed those standards and results. Deliver more rather than less.

  • Show intensity for your work and a sense of commitment, as these are essential characteristics of people who rise in an organization. Make that extra effort to show that you really care about your job and the organization.

  • Make sure that the people who are in the position to most influence your career direction know that one of your most important goals is to have greater impact on the success of the entire organization.

  • Call attention to the fact that you, not only have identified and addressed what is most critical about your current position, but also that you are aware of and aligned with your company’s goals, and that you’re cognizant of the important issues that still need to be resolved. Make it clear that you want to be a strong contributor in achieving those goals.

  • Volunteer to take on difficult and challenging assignments, ones that will enable you to grow and develop your skills and experiences, and which may provide you with opportunities to cross-train with coworkers in different roles/departments within your organization. In general, remember the importance of showing that you are eager to broaden, upgrade, retool, and expand your skill sets. And, in so doing, that you are keeping up with today’s techniques/changes in your specific field and area of expertise. Then, work hard to do a great job; mention that you are using those new, improved techniques, when the opportunity arises; and deliver timely and successfully.

  • Speak up and contribute at meetings and discussions. Make sure that prior to the event; however, that you have researched what’s on the agenda, are prepared for the topic(s) in question, and have even come armed with significant data, so your contributions are meaningful. Even though your input might be wrong at times, this kind of risk-taking is absolutely essential, so be a contributor. Make a difference.

  • Make a concerted effort to assume leadership roles on committees/team meetings within your organization or even outside the organization, but preferably related to your profession and/or the mission or goals of your workplace. Then, after assuming leadership positions, make sure your boss is made aware of them.

  • Demonstrate that you are good at selecting and developing employees, increasing their engagement, and retaining the most valuable/qualified employees within your particular group or division. Making use of these characteristics shows that you have good insight into people, and this is a skill that can, in turn, translate into building a strong organization.

    In summary, if you really believe that you are an excellent candidate for a promotion, don’t be modest and keep that thought to yourself, or discuss it only with people who cannot further your cause. Instead, at the next opportunity to do so, make your wishes known where and with whom they’ll have significant impact, and will hopefully make a positive difference for you. Simply put, be proactive and intentional. It is this combination of actions that will lead to your being promoted.