Hey Team,
This week, a friend of mine asked for guidance on how to get a promotion.
For those of you who don’t know, I spent over a decade working in some of the largest companies in America and Europe, both growing my own career and developing teams, managing, mentoring software engineers, and coaching young professionals.
My friend is working in an industry that’s not performing the best these days, but she's quite engaged and aspiring to her next challenge. We made sure she had a solid action plan to give her the best shot.
We discussed some of her expectations and current tasks, and I supported her with a tactical plan to get promoted.
Here is a summary that any of you can apply - today.
1. Discover the Most Important Projects
The first part of this transformation is to discover the key projects you need to start being involved in.
Identify projects that have high visibility within the organization.
Your manager will support you with this information.
Following that, you should ask your manager to involve you in those projects.
When you make your request, remember that people like to feel important, empowered, and able to help. Therefore, communicate to your manager that you want their assistance in your professional growth.
2. Start Behaving as if…
Write down 5-6 responsibilities and tasks that belong to the new role you are aspiring to assume.
Whether it is a more senior position in the same career ladder or a change of role, you need to start assuming those tasks.
This is not only to prepare you for your new position, but also to put you in the spotlight.
You are not the only one in the organization who wants a promotion, a raise, or a better compensation package.
By taking on more responsibilities—especially those of the desired role—you can prove you are capable of performing at a higher level.
Now, take this list and align a plan of action with your manager in order to start performing the new tasks.
3. Market Yourself: Because Standing Out is the New Blending In
Exactly.
You need to market yourself. You need to be on the managers' and people's radars.
Your name needs to be discussed and talked about.
How do you do that, you ask?
Stay engaged in meetings and gatherings, asking questions and offering your opinions.
Engage with Slack, Teams, email, and whatever communication tools your company uses.
Propose to present knowledge you acquired recently to your team and company. Sharing your knowledge and public speaking about the project you are working on is one of the most powerful ways to add value and gain visibility.
4. Have Options
Nobody can predict whether or not my friend will get a promotion. There are still variables outside of her control, from budget limitations to internal politics within the organization.
Following this framework should not only help you secure the promotion but also prepare you to assume it.
With that in mind, interview with other companies for your desired job position and showcase how you are already embodying it.
Quote of the Week
“Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results.”
— Willie Nelson
The change you search for in life starts in your mind.
What do you think of this quote? And what do you think of career ladders?
Thank you for reading!
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