Here are some obvious (and less obvious) but important things to consider when looking to get that next promotion.
Getting a promotion these days is harder than ever. Most companies have gutted many layers of management and now operate with a leaner staff structure. With more people seeking a dwindling number of roles, at best, the competition is hot, at worst there just aren’t any opportunities at all.
Remember, every organisation is different and some of these tips may be more effective in your role and team than others.
TEAMWORK.
How do you interact with the rest of your team? Are you able to work effectively with others? Not only does this mean that generally more can be accomplished but others get to notice you and your brilliance.
Why not get a feel for how you are doing in this area?
Ask your fellow team members for some honest feedback.
STRONG RAPPORT WITH YOUR MANAGER.
Whilst it’s not essential that it’s your direct line manager, you need someone above you to go in and bat for you. There needs to be someone in the organisation who thinks you’re awesome.
Ask yourself, who is this person?
SELF-MOTIVATION.
Can you just not get enough of your job? Does it not feel like ‘work’? If so, you’re likely highly motivated and work hard. Being self-motivated and passionate about the work is important. The people around you will notice it.
POSITIVE ATTITUDE.
Can you maintain a positive attitude even when the proverbial hits the fan? People will respect you and look up to you. Maybe even your line manager. Be real but also realise that there are positives in everything. You spend too much of your day in the workplace to experience as a negative place.
INITIATIVE, GET UP AND GO, AND RESOURCEFULNESS.
Identify processes, systems and even little things that could be made better, and most importantly, suggest ideas on how they can be made better. This will show to your boss that you are committed to making your company more efficient and profitable, and in doing so, make your boss look good.
PUT YOUR HAND UP.
Do you volunteer for extra tasks and responsibilities? This will show your enthusiasm and love of the job, and your commitment to supporting your manager. This needs to be done tactfully, taking more on when you’re already struggling can backfire badly.
SUPPORT AND HELP OTHERS IN YOUR TEAM.
Helping others when it is to the benefit of the team can be looked upon very favourably.
SCHMOOZE AND SUCK-UP.
Yes, it’s sad but true. Sometimes it pays to be a real suck-up. Laugh at your boss’ jokes, even when they’re not that funny. Stay back talking for hours even when you need to go. Go for dinner with them last minute, even if you have existing plans.
WAVE YOUR OWN FLAG.
You’ve created something really awesome for your organisation, or hit a new sales record, but does anyone actually know about it? It’s important that your greatest accomplishments are known. Most workplaces these days are overworked and understaffed. Has anyone actually noticed what you stayed in the office for the entire weekend to accomplish?
SHARE YOU AMBITIONS.
Does your boss know where you want to be in the future? Sometimes having this conversation can be incredibly powerful. Not only can it show your commitment to the firm and the team, it can inspire your boss into putting structures in place to help you get there. All good bosses want their workers to succeed, after all, the more inspired their staff are, the more likely they are to look good themselves and lay the groundwork for their own next promotion.