If you have ever wondered how to get promoted at work, then this article will share six ways to know if you are ready for a promotion. Professionally, you’re likely tasked with identifying and preparing for what’s on the horizon with your organization, but are you doing the same thing personally? You may know what your next step should be, but figuring out exactly when to ask for a promotion can be tricky. If you move up too soon, you may feel overwhelmed by the new responsibilities; wait too long and you may feel frustrated and antsy.
How can you tell when the timing for getting promoted at work is right?
1. You are always searching for the next assignment. You know who you are. You seek challenging projects and tasks and complete them successfully, consistently. You know how to leverage your past performance data and identify when you have excelled and where you have learned a lesson.
2. You are clear about what your next step should be. Typically, performers with high potential own their career development. If you feel this is you, then you will be comfortable approaching your manager with a proposal for your new role, complete with how your skill set and abilities add value to the business at a higher level. This type of clarity is a crucial sign you are ready for the next step. Taking this initiative and sharing it with the correct decision maker will open a conversation about future opportunities.
3. You are already doing higher-level work. This doesn’t mean you “think you can do the higher-level job,” it means that you are ready for a promotion if you are already doing some projects at that higher level. If you are demonstrating that you can do it, and more importantly, that you want to do it, this signifies your eagerness for a promotion. If you are continually looking for those challenging opportunities to show your worth, bring it on and show your boss that you care about what she cares about.
4. You are aligned with the business WHY. You are the one who carefully considers the company’s mission and its people before proposing a course of action…including your promotion. Being a high performer alone (for example, a kick-butt sales rep who consistently exceeds personal quotas) may not always indicate that you are ready for that promotion. Instead, look within and determine if you have a natural alignment for the mission (the why) of the organization and the people accomplishing the mission.
5. You handle failure like a champ. When you take responsibility for failure and use it to improve your performance, it’s a healthy sign that you are mature and confident. The way you deal with setbacks and obstacles says a lot about your readiness level for a promotion or new assignment. Treating failure as an opportunity to learn is part of the grooming process for the development you are seeking.
6. You have strong people skills. It’s easier to learn technical skills than to learn practical communications and people skills. Take an honest look at yourself: Are you good at handling conflict, engaging others or dealing with difficult people? How effective are you when offering negative feedback to others? A good sign that you are ready for the next step upward is your ability to have open and candid conversations with others about any topic while managing conflict and minimizing drama.
In summary, you’ll know it’s time to ask for a promotion If you know you…
In summary, you’ll know it’s time to ask for a promotion If you know you…
- Have generated consistent positive results to your organization.
- Consistently are always reaching out for more.
- Can lead others who don’t agree with you.
- Complete higher level tasks currently, and
- Are fully aligned with the WHY of your business/organization you are ready to present your proposal.
I recommend that you identify areas that excite you; areas you are passionate about so that you can determine if there is an obvious next step for you. Then you can start a conversation with your boss or a mentor to explore short- and long-term career paths as well as your performance and developmental opportunities.
If YOU are ready to take this next step and want some expert guidance, let’s have a conversation. Only if you feel ready, contact me to schedule a complimentary consultation at http://maricarmenpizarro.com/contact-mari-carmen/
