This article is part of the “Career Development and Self-Promotion Tips” series.
If you want to move up at work, but you’re going nowhere – it’s time to take a hard look at what you might be doing wrong.
Doing work that is “OK,” or “acceptable” may be enough to keep a job, but it’s usually not enough to be promoted to a job with more responsibility.
Are you visible enough? Do you really believe you’re worthy of a promotion?
If you just keep your head down and do your job without creating visibility for yourself, and if you are not asking for more, your boss will assume that you are happy with your current job.
Why then, don’t we ask about opportunities to move up within an organisation?
Our hesitancy to ask for a promotion is more than likely related to our overall fear of self promotion. When we contemplate asking for a promotion, that nagging voice in our head chimes in with, “Who do you think you are?”, “Do you really think you’re worthy of a promotion?” “Your boss will laugh at you!”, “Aren’t you full of yourself?”
However, listening to the negative self talk is sabotaging your career and can very well stand between you and a promotion. Has it ever dawned on you to be proactive and take control of your career and actually ask for that promotion?
You need to do what you can to get noticed by the people who have the power to promote you. When something you’ve worked on goes exceptionally well, write a memo to management praising the team you’ve worked with.
Our hesitancy to ask for a promotion is more than likely related to our overall fear of self-promotion. Don’t be afraid to tell your supervisor about your career goals.
Talk to your boss. In preparation for this meeting, I recommend you do a bit of homework.
- Write out your achievements at work
- Describe how the work you do benefits the organization and your boss or department in particular.
- State up front that you enjoy working with him/her and love the organization and are interested in new opportunities to rise to the next level.
- Ask for information about new opportunities and what, if anything, you need to do to move up.
Once you set your sights on a specific position, put a strategic action plan in place to communicate your value proposition to the key influencers and decision makers. Make sure you’re visible.
If advancing your career is what you want, you need to take an action. Continue to do a great job in your current position. Don’t assume that your boss knows that you are interested in moving up. Asking about new opportunities will lead to a dialogue about what is available and what you need to do to get promoted.
Patience is a virtue, even when seeking a promotion. Be realistic with yourself about your qualifications and job performance, and don’t get frustrated if you get passed over for a promotion. Wait for the right opportunity and go for it.
If you’d love some help in creating a plan to get noticed and promoted, I’d love to talk to you! I offer a complimentary 25-minute strategy session – you can apply at http://www.talkwithmargaret.com
Warm regards,
Margaret
