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Getting that promotion you want!

You may have recently started out on your career journey and want your first promotion or you may be well on your way but would like a broader or more senior leadership role. Burt how do you go about getting the promotion you want, and what things should you consider? The following are a few hints and tips that will hopefully help you on your way!

1. Look at the bigger picture. Firstly ask yourself what you want to achieve, not just at work but also outside, with your family, friends, community etc. Will a promotion fit with your broader life goals? Taking on a more senior role will require some sacrifices (certainly in the short term), and you need to be clear whether or not the price is worth paying.

2. Understand the role you want. Do you really know what it will be like in a more senior role? Are you prepared to take on additional responsibility, be more flexible, cope with the organisation’s politics, work the extra hours? The best way to find out is to ask. Find people who are already doing a similar role and ask them what they think and feel about the job. They will be able to help you think through whether or not the job is right for you.

3. Get a mentor. Mentors are invaluable. They understand how the organisation works and have a great network of contacts. They will be a critical friend for you, commenting on things you do well and identifying things you can improve on. They can also help to introduce you to the right people, and open the right doors.

4. Tell others how good you are! For most people this can be uncomfortable and unnatural. However, senior managers and others within an organisation may not know you or your achievements. Therefore, make sure you have your name on a least one important success and let others know about it.

5. Work outside your comfort zone. Try to do things that you haven’t done before. Offer to work on a cross functional project, stand in for your boss, get involved in a presentation to the board. Doing these things will build your confidence as well as your visibility in the organisation.

6. Keep learning. Attend management training programmes aimed at developing the skills you need. In addition, read books, attend seminars, and become a member of a professional body. In this way you will demonstrate to the organisation that you are committed to learning, development and continuous improvement.

7. Be a great resource. People get noticed when they take responsibility for issues and resolve them. Think about the problems that your organisations faces. Identify some solutions and present them with your recommended course of action to your boss.

8. If you really want that promotion ask for it! Your boss will not be a mind reader so unless you let them know what your hopes and aspirations are, they will not be able to help you.

9. Have a contingency plan. Your organisation may not have the right opportunities in the short to medium term, and so you may need search outside it to get the promotion you want.

10. Don’t give up. Invariably there are many different ways of achieving your career goals, just as there are many different ways of travelling from town to the next. The important thing is to be persistent and recognise that sometimes you have to take a sideways (or even a backwards step) to land the ultimate job you want.