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You’ve been working for your company for some time now, and although you are good at what you do you are being constantly overlooked for a promotion.
In fact, other co-workers are competing with you and winning. It just doesn’t seem fair, does it? You work hard, you are well liked and you know your stuff. You may even have a lot more experience and skills than your co-workers. You have an idea about your corporate development career path, but you are not sure where it is going.
So, what are you doing wrong?
Going for a promotion takes a lot of energy. From the moment that the new promotion is announced you begin positioning yourself as the most suitable candidate. Trying to beat a co-worker to a promotion has its own difficulties too. Once you have lodged your application or even hinted at your desire for a promotion all eyes are on you. And, there are many things at stake like your standing, your authority within your own team, and your reputation.
While your corporate development career path may seem that it is not going anywhere there are things you can do. Next time you are up against a co-worker for a promotion consider these important steps.
Don’t spend time worrying about who is going for the job and what skills or experiences they have. Instead, create an image of what the perfect candidate would look like. How would this person act? What would they say? What skills or experiences would they have?
Now that you have this mental image in your mind, fit yourself into this role. If you don’t have the skills or experiences find out ways that you can get them, and mention them in your application.
Create a list of advantages that your co-worker has in regards to fulfilling this position. Now, when you look at this wonderful list it may make you feel that you don’t stand a chance, but this is not the case. When you know what you are really up against you can be better prepared.
As well, make a list of the disadvantages this person has. Keep things professional and look at their career development only. Don’t get personal because this will only distract you and won’t put you in a position for success.
Job descriptions can tend to be a dream list more than a reality. They will list the experiences and qualities that an ideal candidate must have, but at the end of the day, there might be two or three core competencies that are really important. As well, descriptions might include formal requirements but exclude certain skills that are actually very important for the job.
You already work for the company and are at an advantage of finding out what is really required through informal channels.
Once you know you can ensure that your application speaks directly to the things that are most wanted and needed. Don’t ignore the other aspects though because they are important too. Focus on what the company is really looking for and how well you can deliver.
Now is the time to focus on your application. Make a note of where you have a clear advantage over your competition and ensure that you can express this clearly.
Never put another person down during an interview. This is bad form and just plain rude. Without mentioning names, you can still impress the interview panel with how well-suited you are for the position by focusing on what skills and experiences you have.
Keep in mind what the perfect candidate looks like and how well you are prepared to be that person. Don’t just talk about your skills but show how well suited they would be to this particular position. Then “wow” the interview panel with all you have.
Competing with an internal candidate is difficult and very challenging. Notwithstanding, these four steps will show that you, and not your co-worker deserve the promotion more.
Good luck!
And always remember:
Many mistakes are made by middle managers when they are applying for an internal position. In fact, most don’t realize that they are at a distinct disadvantage. And thus, they are less likely to get the job.
Instead, most senior managers prefer to hire someone from outside of the company. They see hiring someone new as an advantage, and this sways their final decision a lot of the times.
If you are looking to develop your corporate development career path you need to change the way you are applying for internal positions. You can no longer sit back and expect the job. You will need to address your behavior, your past achievements and make sure your resume for internal promotion is top notch.
You are going to have to address two key issues which are continuing to hold you back time and time again.
One advantage a new person has over you is that their weaknesses are not known. They present a great looking resume full of high standards, cleverly worded responses, and glowing references. It is unlikely that they mention their weaknesses with complete honesty. And, who can blame them? The competition is tough and there is probably a lot of other suitable candidates vying for the position, right?
You’ve worked for the company for a long time and your bosses know you well. They know how great you are in some areas, and what skills you bring to the table. They understand all this, and know you are keen to be promoted.
However, they also know your weaknesses. So, what can you do about them?
You can do the following during the interview process, but I would suggest that you start now in meetings and around the office water cooler.
Start being open about the mistakes you have made. Tell your colleagues and your boss that you won’t make the mistakes again, and then show them. Prove that you can learn from your mistakes and make amends. Show them that you have the best interest of the company at heart, and that you are a focused team player.
Also acknowledge that there are areas which you need to improve on. Talk about your desire to go back to study. Ask questions about areas of the company that you don’t know about. Again, showing that you have a vested interest in how the company is run will put you at an advantage come promotion time.
And, of course don’t just talk about it – do it. If you are not sure what to do, for example, ask your boss for advice. They might have ideas you haven’t thought of, and which will help put you at a real advantage.
I can’t emphasize this enough. You must always work hard at getting the promotion you desire regardless of what you have been told. Here, let me explain.
Let’s say your boss has assured you that you are a shoe-in for the promotion. You have it in the bag, and the job is yours. Due to protocol or some other reason, you are told that other candidates have to be interviewed, and these include people from outside the company.
You hear this and you stop working because you think the job is yours. If you do this you may be very disappointed when someone who doesn’t know anything about the company and is from outside is promoted over you.
So here is what you have to do. Make sure that you never lose sight of the prize. That is, the promotion you want and deserve. Always work hard towards addressing the ideas raised in Point 1 – your weaknesses.
Make sure your skills are up to date and your resume is prepared thoroughly. In fact, you should prepare your resume as if you were applying for a position at a new company. This will give it an edge that will appeal to your seniors.
One of the biggest failures managers make when they are competing with an external candidate for an internal promotion is that they become complacent. They think the job should be theirs or they are told it is, and then they stop working hard towards getting it.
If you want that promotion you are going to have to work as hard as an external candidate, and probably harder. Your bosses know the great work you do already, all you have to do now is show them that you have the skills and determination to go beyond where you are now and perform at a senior position.
Good luck!
And always remember:
Many middle managers don’t realize that they are actually sabotaging their chances at that must-have promotion. Sure they think they have the career goals of a manager all sorted out, but this is not the case. Let’s take a look at how this might occur.
You are good at your job, very good in fact. You have been looking after your area for several years and you have surpassed key requirements each quarter. You may even have had a promotion already, and in your mind you are thinking how great it will be when you finally get promoted to that senior position.
The truth is you are doing your job far too well. You are excelling at it to the point that you have reached the pinnacle where you are now. You’ve gone as far as you can go, and your boss has no desire to promote you out of your department. And, do you know why? You’re too good at your job.
Now, don’t get me wrong. You are a star because you have all the skills needed to do your job very well. In fact, you might be doing it too well. If your career goals of a manager include stepping up to a more senior, and better paid position then you need to be doing these four basic things.
You have great skills for the position you are in now, but the big question is, are these the same or the right skills needed for that position you want? I doubt that they are. In fact, I’d be surprised if you didn’t need to learn a whole new set of skills.
Do some research and work out what skills you need to fulfil the position you want. Do you need to do some extra courses at night? Are there some key competencies that can be learned?
This might take a bit of extra time, but the results will speak for themselves.
Learn what your company’s bottom line is. Don’t assume that you know, but actively find out and become knowledgeable in all areas, not just your own.
Share this knowledge at meetings and around the water cooler. This will show your seniors that you have the best interest of the company at heart. It will demonstrate that you are actively engaging in the company’s future too.
You may have worked for your company for some time, but that doesn’t mean you understand every aspect of how the company runs. Do you know where stock is sourced? How the company was founded, and by whom? Do you understand the time and motion studies needed to keep your company competitive?
By knowing and understanding all aspects of the way your company is run you will have a much clearer picture. This will demonstrate to your boss that you are ready and prepared for that senior position.
No company can operate without a cohesive and committed team. Each person in that team has a special role to play. They need to feel valuable and appreciated, and they also need to know how to do their job well.
If you can demonstrate to your seniors that you are willing to pass on your skills to others you are adding value to the company.
Also, if you show that you can manage others really well, and get the very best out of them, your leadership capabilities will shine.
Now, that you are committed to these four essential skills how are you going to make sure others know it too? Well, you don’t have to say anything, you just have to do it. We’ve all heard of the saying “actions speak louder than words” right? Well, if you follow these four points your actions will shout out loud how committed and ready you are for that senior position.
And always remember:
You work hard and you are dedicated to your company. You may even put in extra hours when needed. And, you are also a team player. However, that promotion you have always wanted has alluded you for years.
Your friends and colleagues are getting promoted, and you are not. When considering your corporate development career path you might feel at a loss as to why you are still stuck in the same position.
You may begin to feel anxious or angry at your boss. Perhaps you feel undervalued or neglected. It is often the first recall to blame others when your corporate development career path is being blocked. However, this is not the best tactic.
Blaming someone else is too easy, and it gets you off the hook. If you really want that promotion you are going to have to ask yourself some important questions. And, like many important questions the answers might not be want you want to hear.
The first thing we need to look at is why are you being held back? Why is your career stalled, and perhaps stopped?
Let’s take a look at the 5 reasons why mid-level managers don’t get the promotion they want.
This might sound strange coming from an industry that’s first goal is to sell goods or services, but that is different from selling yourself. Many people are reluctant to talk up their goals and achievements because it may make them seem big headed or boastful.
The next time you are in a meeting watch and listen to the way others sell their ideas and recommendations. What they are saying is important, but in truth it is the way they are saying it that is getting them the attention they want.
If people knew how to sell themselves more effectively, new jobs would be created, more effective client relationships would be formed and innovation would be plentiful.
Are you managing your time effectively and productively, or are you wasting and not valuing your time? When things are going well time flies by and we are buoyed on to work harder. However, when things aren’t going well our day seems to drag on, and we are likely to become sluggish ourselves.
If you value your time, it will show in your work. If you feel you are looking to get out of the rut you’ve found yourself in, you are going to have to make every hour count.
Remember, time is our most valuable asset yet people still don’t value it enough. If they did, ideas would come to life, dreams would become realities and careers would take reach the goals we all dream about.
While you are searching for answer it is important to get out of your comfort zone and open your eyes to what successful people are doing. Paying close attention to those that advance in their careers will help you to develop your own career path.
Take note of how these people take chances, embrace risks and are happy to put their ideas into action.
Are you resisting growth and maturity? Do you know someone that has had the same type of job for over 10 years? Are they really happy and fulfilled or are they just at that particular point in their lives because they aren’t willing to take the risks needed to change?
People get stuck when they lack the capabilities, skill-sets and confidence to advance. Look in the mirror and ask yourself, “Have I worked smart enough to improve myself significantly over the past month?” And, “Am I getting trained in skills and competencies that will advance me?”
If you answered “no” you have a lot of work ahead of you. It begins with your attitude to welcome challenges and expand your horizons.
There is nothing wrong with being content, but in today’s busy life no one can afford to sit back and rest on their laurels, least of all managers like you who want that all important promotion.
Since you started working many aspects of your day to day role has changed. So too has what defines you as “professional”. To move up the ladder you’ll need to add sophisticated managerial skills to your portfolio.
It’s important to note that what had helped you in the past has become less relevant. You will need to improve your skill set, embrace new changes, especially in the area of technology, and demonstrate that you’re a well-rounded manager is the most important thing you can do now.
If any of the above has resonated with you then it’s now up to you to act. You need to focus on how to improve yourself first before your boss will consider promoting you to a senior position. Importantly, don’t wait for someone to shake you out of your comfort zone. Instead, find ways to actively take charge. It’s all up to you.
And always remember:
Regardless of where you are in your company it is normal to dream of a tempting career advancement and dream of the day it must might happen.
However, dreams can come true and it may not be as difficult as you first think. Sure, you have to have the right skill sets, but your habits can actually be stopping you from increasing your chances of a tempting career advancement.
As we have looked at before, the promises we make to ourselves are difficult to keep.
Here is recap:
A few statistics about promises we make to ourselves:
- Only 28% of our promises will actually be kept.12% of our promises will be changed (to make things easier).
- A whopping 60% of promises won’t make it until this time next year.
So, how does not keeping your promise to yourself adversely affect your promotion chances? Well, this means that less than a third of our career promises will reach fruition! That’s not very encouraging, is it?
Why? Your habits, the things we do day to day, are stopping you from keeping true to your promises to yourself.
Isn’t it Easy to Keep a Promise if We Really Mean it?
The answer to this question may surprise you because it’s “no”. This is because we make promises which we are underprepared to keep and don’t have the skills to fulfill. And, when the going gets tough, our habits protect us from realizing what flaws we need to resolve.
In fact, you might be surprised that on average, our habits control about 40% of what we do during the day. Yes, nearly half of what we do all day long is more or less done on autopilot.
What Do You Need to Ensure You Keep Those Promises?
Everyone goes through sluggish times where their career doesn’t seem to be advancing. Sadly, most people just live through it and hope for the best. Others, those who really know how to succeed, grab the bull by horns and make the necessary changes.
How?
Good ol’ fashioned determination. Yep, that one quality that helps us persevere and get what we want.
No one has an easy path when it comes to career advancement. It may seem that some managers breeze along and that everything comes their way. This is not the case. What these people have going for them you can’t see because it is an in-built drive to overcome difficulties and to really succeed.
Developing and nurturing your determination, and sticking to your decisions is the one thing that will help you keep your promises.
Accept That Things Aren’t Going to be Easy
If you are going to ensure that you keep your promises to yourself you are going to have to make some sacrifices. Nothing is going to be easy, and the quicker you accept that your life is going to get a little bit more difficult, the easier it will be for you to succeed in the long run.
This may mean giving up half of your lunch break or working back late. It may mean studying in the evenings or on the weekends. It may mean curtailing your hobbies so you have time to dedicated yourself to what really has to be done.
Develop a Vision of the Successful You in the Future
Another important way to ensure that you keep your promises to yourself is to create a vision of what you will look like when you have achieved your goals.
It might seem strange, but visualization is integral to determination. In fact, the more you visualize, the stronger the imprint of success you’ll make on your brain. This is an important factor in developing and nurturing your determination.
So, are you going to keep your promise and reach your goals? Or are you going to take the easy, comfortable road and never realize what you might have been capable of?
And always remember:
If you want to be promoted make sure that you utilize your performance review to your advantage. Only you are responsible for your next promotion and it is extremely important that when you are faced with a tempting career advancement you should be ready to jump on it and get it.
Your performance review is more than what it states. Yes, it is a review of your performance. The great things you’ve done, the mistakes you made, and where you need to improve, but many of us don’t look at our performance review in the right light, and this prevents us from utilizing the information given to our advantage.
In fact, most people liken a performance review to a visit to the dentist or are reminded of their school days when they were forced to sit through parent / teacher interviews. All your faults were laid bare, and you then may be punished for not doing very well.
Your boss isn’t going to put you in detention for not performing well, but still 11% of us feel so uncomfortable during our performance reviews we don’t think the information given applies to us. Encouragingly 89% of us agree we need to make changes, but in truth only 30% actually do. This is because of the negative feelings we have going into the interview in the first place.
Let’s change this right now. Let’s look at your next performance review as an opportunity that will lead to a tempting career advancement, the one you’ve always wanted.
1. Prepare a List of Questions Based on Research
Don’t go into your performance review empty-handed. Instead, prepare a list of questions to ask your boss. These questions should be pertinent to your next promotion, but without saying so directly. They should be based on research and the answers should give you a much clearer focus on what you need to do to get your next promotion.
2. Add Meaning to the Review Process
If you find your boss is glossing over issues and areas that you need more information on, don’t let them get away with it.
Use the list of questions you prepared in step one to keep the review focused on you, and how you can be better prepared for your next promotion. If you run out of time, book another time with your boss there and then. Whatever you do, don’t allow the opportunity to pass.
3. Use the Review Process Time Wisely
our boss is a busy person and they may just want to quickly get through your performance review and move onto the next person. Don’t allow this to happen.
If you are unclear about something, ask them to repeat or re-explain it. If you are still not clear, repeat what they said back to them and ask them to confirm if this is what they meant.
If you deal with things which are unclear immediately you will find that your ability to plan and move forward towards your next promotion much easier and quicker.
4. Create Practical Steps Towards Your Long Term Goal
After your review go back to your desk and make some notes. This will allow you to put together a plan. This plan will mean that you are better prepared next time a promotion comes up. But remember, all good things take time, and even though you really want a promotion it isn’t going to happen straight away.
Instead, make realistic small goals and ensure that you reach them. In time, these small goals will help you achieve the much greater one over time.
Let’s recap.
The next time you are informed that your performance review is coming up don’t’ cringe or be filled with dread. Instead, become proactive and see it as the best opportunity to sit down with your boss, one on one, and find out what it is you need to do to get promoted. Remember, to be prepared and don’t worry if you run out of time. Keep focused on your main goal, and you will achieve it in the long run.
Good luck!
And always remember:
If you’ve just had your performance review, and you are breathing a sigh of relief that everything went well it is important you don’t make the same mistake that 73% of other managers make – you go back to doing what you have already done.
Your performance review is the one chance you may have in 12 months to act and get that promotion you have been wanting for years. It offers examples of goals for employees in performance reviews that otherwise would be missed.
Your performance review is an opportunity to understand what the examples of goals for employees in performance reviews actually are. This is your boss, and the company you work for, telling you how well you are doing, what you need to do to improve, but most importantly, how you can really excel. However, it is important that you don’t make these common mistakes.
Do you get the idea that you are well-appreciated and have got a lot of potential? Does this mean you should just keep doing as you are doing? No!
Do you believe that you should continue doing the same things that prompted your boss to say what they said? Not at all!
You’ve been given a “tick of approval” so should you try to do even more of what you’ve been doing so far? No!
Should you continue to do what you are doing and perhaps increase some of what I’ve been doing? No.
Your performance review should never be seen as a pat on the back. You should look at it very differently. It should be seen as a new direction that will help you move up to a senior position in your company, and here’s how.
While your boss is explaining to you what it is that you are doing right, don’t sit and smile, and then nod. Be truly present and listen very carefully. You might be missing something important. Try to interpret and read between the lines because your boss might not be explaining what you need to do to get a promotion clearly, but rather just saying you are doing the job you are in well.
Again this comes down to listening carefully. If you are expecting to be told you did very well on a particular project, and you hear it don’t make the mistake of tuning out. Instead, listen to what is said about areas where you need to improve and make relevant notes.
Just because you heard something said doesn’t mean that is the way it was meant, and don’t make conclusions based on what you think you heard. Instead, be inwardly critical of the praises your boss is giving you, and listen for ways where you can improve.
When you are deciding which job to apply for, and in which direction you want your career to go it is important that you make decisions based on solid, reasonable and clear conclusions. You may be on good terms with your boss, but this doesn’t mean you should take everything they say at face value. Instead, review your own performance and accept that changes need to be made if you are going to get the promotion you deserve.
Wishes and dreams are one thing, but a solid game plan that is designed to get a promotion is another. Spend the time to plan out what you need to do and when. Put in reasonable time frames and, if needed, work extra hours to make sure you reach these goals.
Wake up every day and review your game plan. Make sure that you are on task, and know exactly where you should be. That way you will eventually get the promotion you want.
Diligently following these steps will help turn your annual performance review into a promotion action plan. This will raise your promotion opportunities to the 27% who will succeed.
And always remember:
The corporate development career path is never an easy one. However, there are many things you can do to make sure that you are promotion-ready when the opportunity arises. Relooking at your performance reviews, and assessing them with a different attitude will set you on the right path for promotion.
While many of us dread the idea of sitting down with our boss and listening to all they have to say about us. However, it is important that you are better prepared and ready to step up to the corporate development career path, and this is the best way to do it. It is a unique opportunity, and by being prepared and honest you will find you may actually look forward to your next performance review, and not dread it.
Making sure you have a list of questions is important. This way you will be more empowered to meet your boss on an equal footing. You will go from feeling like a victim to feeling like a colleague.
To be even more prepared it is imperative that you set your goals. What do you want from your performance review? What do you need to get out of it so you can advance your career? What gems might you be able to mine, which can used to get that promotion you desire?
Be Upfront and Honest
During the course of your performance review be honest and upfront. Tell your boss that you are looking for a promotion. It might be difficult and you might feel awkward, but your request will be easily accepted if you don’t make it threatening in any way. Instead, talk to your boss like you would a mentor, and ask for advice and tips that you can use and incorporate into your overall plan.
Now your boss may be pressed for time and they themselves may not have the answers you are seeking. Nonetheless, this shouldn’t matter. You can always make another time to meet with them. What is important is that you are openly and honestly stating what you want to better your career.
Are you ready to tell your boss you want a promotion?
Making the statement, “I feel it’s time for me to get promoted”, is not enough. If you say this in a loud manner, and perhaps look angry your boss will begin to feel uncomfortable. If you add, “within two years or I’m leaving,” this very well may backfire on you, and you’ll find yourself packing your things sooner than you planned.
Don’t despair. There is a way of letting your boss know you want a promotion, and ending up with what you want. Always remain respectful and appreciative. Smile, and nod as you explain how long you have been in your current position, and that you want a promotion. Look your boss in the eye, but do it kindly like you might a friend or a family member.
Alternatively, whatever you do, don’t look down or seem evasive. You should feel confident that you do deserve a promotion, but make it clear that you are going to change and work towards it. What you want from your boss is direction and guidance, not their approval.
Smile and ask them, “So, what do you think about this?” They will then be forced to provide you with an answer, albeit tentative.
Review the Deliverables
Once you’ve got the information you require make sure you review the deliverables thoroughly. Treat your performance review as you would any other professional project in which you’d expect tangible deliverables.
Create a clear idea of what you want from your performance review and be honest and upfront with yourself too. Now, is the time to prepare and start being the best person your seniors are looking for to fill that senior positon you so want.
Review
Looking at your performance review in a different light will not only change the experience for you, but will make you feel more empowered and even knowledgeable. With the right kind of goals and preparation, a review with your boss can bring you a few steps closer towards your next promotion.
And always remember:
Don’t allow crippling self-doubt to stall or even stop your career development. If you are hesitating about your next promotion, then don’t. You may feel that you haven’t got much of a chance, but in truth you have as good a chance as others, and if you prepare yourself, even more so.
The factors affecting career development are many. However, after working with middle managers for over 35 years I can tell you honestly that fear of failure is the first and last reason they don’t apply for promotions.
Your chances for promotion aren't as slim as you think, and in fact with the right attitude you could be in with a good chance. The factors affecting career development are available for you to learn, and put to use. It’s up to you, though. No one is more deserving than you, but are you ready?
If you are happy to do the same job day in, day out. If you are satisfied with your current pay, and don’t need any extra money, and if you would rather see others promoted over you year after year then don’t read any further.
Read on, however, if you would like to know why you have a better chance now than ever before in getting that promotion.
You Have the Same Rights As Others in Your Department
As long as you are doing your job well, you have the same right to promotion as others in your department. It may feel like your boss is against you, but that is probably not the case. In fact, your boss probably wants you to shine, but for various reasons they are not seeing you in the best light.
Always keep in mind that you are entitled to a promotion, but remember that your boss is looking for the qualities of a senior manager in you now.
Those who have been promoted over you have displayed certain characters that you may have, but are not showing. These might be a positive work attitude, an aptitude to being solution-focused, and taking responsibility for mistakes and fixing then them.
Do you have these qualities? Be honest! If you think there are areas where you could improve then make them. Don’t sit around waiting for your boss to tell you that you are not good enough. Instead, prove to them that you have the same rights and are entitled to be considered for that next promotion.
Overcoming Your Fear of Rejection
If you have tried before and been rejected then it is understandable that you have a fear of rejection. This fear can be crippling, and it is what is keeping you stuck in the same job year after year. Fearing rejection is normal, and many middle managers like you suffer as a result of them.
Don’t allow this fear to stop you. There may have been good reasons why you were rejected in the past, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t be promoted in the future, right?
Do you lack certain skills or the right attitude? Does your resume look old hat and stale? Should you start studying management techniques or a course that will ensure you are promotion-ready?
These are just some ways to help you overcome that fear of rejection. There are many more, and all may need to be considered.
You Have Just As Good a Chance as Anyone
You got to where you are now because you are talented, hardworking and dedicated to your company. And, these are qualities the senior managers in your company are looking for. They only need you to step forward and show them by proving to them that you are ready for that promotion by going that one step further and being prepared.
Write this down: I Have Just As Good a Chance as Anyone! Keep this note beside your desk or text it to yourself each day.
As well, if you are doubting your own abilities sit down with a mentor or your boss and ask them frankly how you can improve. Then ensure that you are ready for that next promotion, and go for it.
And always remember:
If you are looking for a promotion in your company and you are not achieving your goal then it’s time you took a long hard look at your factors affecting career development.
There are several reasons why managers don’t get promoted. Sometimes it is because they are not good enough or they aren’t ready. This happens a lot of the time, and there are many things you can do to get ready.
These involve making sure your qualifications are up to date, and your resume reflects how good you really are at your job, for example. However, other factors affecting career development have to do with how you approach your boss.
Let’s take a look in more detail.
Many bosses don’t know those under them that well. They know their name and they know what job they do, but they don’t have the facts available to know whether any of these people should be promoted or not.
It’s not your boss’ role to get you a promotion either. They are busy looking after their department and making sure it meets the company’s expectations. A good senior manager would expect the middle managers below them to take control of their careers themselves.
So, if your boss doesn’t seem to know you that well there are 2 approaches you can take. Now, before we look into them in more detail remember that there is no reason why you can’t do both. This is because these strategies work in conjunction with each other, and in some ways, complement each other.
Here are 2 Ways Your Boss Will Learn About Your Career Advancement Goals
Let your boss know what you want. Be sure to tell your boss you are looking for a new position in the company. You want them on your team. Think about your boss more like a partner who is working to help you not working against you.
If your boss has criticisms then listen to them clearly. Fixing mistakes is a great way to show you are “promotion ready”, and able to step up to the next level.
Be prepared to study more and perhaps put in any extra hours when you can. This will always reflect well on your positive approach to the company.
Now, your boss is a busy person and may not have time to sit down with you. Compile a short dossier of your achievements and present them to your boss. Clearly show that you are ready to take that promotion and have the necessary skills to do the job well.
Some people are shy and find it hard to approach senior managers. As well, some bosses are not approachable because they may work at a different location or they are seem too scary!
Well, there are ways around these scenarios, don’t you worry.
You work in a team, and there must be a one or two colleagues who like to talk. These are the kinds of people who will talk to anyone, scary bosses included. Why not take advantage of these people’s natural gift.
Let your team members talk you up themselves. You will need to ensure that they know your skills, and what a great member of the team you are. You want to encourage them to share how valuable you really are to your boss, and other seniors.
Now approaching your boss or getting your team to work for you takes time. So, rather than sit back and wait it is important that you demonstrate just how great you are at your job right now.
Always do your best by focusing on doing your best right now, today, this very minute. Always completing your tasks to the best of your ability all the time will determine how you are being judged. When you reflect too much on the past and think too much about the future, you forget to focus on the most important aspect of your job – that is what is happening right now.
Are you ready to make sure your boss knows you are promotion-ready? Are you prepared to do what it takes to get that promotion and take the necessary steps to a better quality of life?
Consider which of the two approaches discussed here works best for you, and start one. Then at some point, start the other. Remember that both strategies will work well if you play it cool, don’t overdo it, and be the best manager you can be.
And always remember:
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