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It's possible that many of us were taught to let our efforts "speak for themselves." Unfortunately, that might not be sufficient if you're vying for a promotion.
Although "climbers" up the corporate ladder don't have a good reputation, the reality is that there's nothing wrong with wanting to be acknowledged for your accomplishments.
Being a valuable employee is a crucial first step if you have your sights set on a better position or a higher compensation in the future.
However, there are a few actions you can do to learn how to get promoted at work if you truly want to distinguish yourself as a future leader. Here, 12 ways to show you are “promotion-ready”:
Gaining promotion typically entails taking on a leadership position. Your communication abilities will become increasingly crucial as your responsibilities increase. Learn how to communicate with various types of individuals right away.
Establish solid connections inside your company. Most managers seek opinions from others before making a decision to promote someone. By keeping positive relationships, your coworkers will be more willing to defend you when it counts.
As someone who’s been in your role for a little while, you likely know what your supervisor worries about the most. Taking those concerns off their plate can help them see you as dependable and capable.
It reinforces that you’re a team player and invested in the bigger picture. Try stepping up to cover their responsibilities while they’re out-of-office so they can enjoy their time away.
To convince your superiors that you are qualified for a promotion, you must already be performing above expectations in your current role. Even so, there is always opportunity for improvement.
Ask yourself how you can improve. Spend some time honing new abilities and getting feedback like a boss. You'll demonstrate that you're prepared for the next level if you can take constructive criticism without getting upset.
Don’t be afraid to tell your manager that you want a promotion. They can help you develop core competencies and keep you in mind when the next promotion arises. You don’t have to start the conversation by demanding a promotion.
Instead, ask them what it will take to get one. This will put your boss in the position of a guide or a mentor, and get them equally invested in your career success.
It's not just about you that got promoted. People who can inspire and lead productive teams are given promotions by employers. You could be inclined to extol your own virtues if you're vying for a promotion.
However, you'll actually improve your own image if you acknowledge others. Who knows, the colleague you yell at might return the favor.
Many people think that dominating every conversation is a leadership trait. Be intentional when you speak so that you become known for only contributing valuable input.
Look for ways to streamline processes so you can be more efficient. Invest that freed-up time into developing your skillset or projects that deserve your extra attention.
Every business is concerned with making a profit. You will be valued as a member of the team if you can increase revenue (or reduce expenses). This will put you in a strong position to argue for the pay raise that comes along with it based on your performance.
Has someone else been promoted recently? Ask them how they did it. Did they take on additional responsibilities over time, go back to school, or step into a newly-created position? See what you can learn from their experience. Ask if they have any feedback or advice for you.
When your promotion does come, it’s time to celebrate — but it may bring its own stress, too. Leaders have more “stage time,” but they also deal with more people and higher stakes.
Develop resilience now by working on your ability to manage stress and improving your work-life balance. These "soft" leadership skills will pay off as you advance to higher levels.
Develop resilience now by working on your ability to manage stress and improving your work-life balance. These "soft" leadership skills will pay off as you advance to higher levels.
For higher-ups to trust you with more responsibility, you need to show them that you’re available, dependable, and trustworthy. Being a responsible worker means that you’re accountable for your daily performance.
You need to constantly think about the task before you and try to complete it to the best of your ability.
While being happy and having a positive attitude are both their own rewards, studies show they also predict success in the workplace. The old paradigm of taking on too much and being overworked in order to achieve success and happiness has been proved wrong.
Instead, studies show that people who report being happier are more likely to have better evaluations and pay increases eighteen months later.