What steps can you take (other than working hard and showing your dedication to the organisation) to improve your chances of climbing the corporate ladder?

Research shows that those ready for promotion:

    • Thrive on change
    • Want to be a part of the decision-making process in the company
    • Love a challenge
    • Constantly find ways to develop their potential
    •  Are active networkers (e.g. look for business contacts at social gatherings)
    • Not only find it easy to learn a new task, but also show a willingness to learn even the most difficult of skills
    • Confidently share their ideas with their boss – and even assertively disagree with the ideas of the boss if they don’t think they have merit
    • Consistently strive to become more efficient.

Rethink what you really want

Are you willing to accept possible drawbacks, such as longer hours, bigger responsibilities or more stress? Do you want to help others, mentor people or make corporate decisions? Do you want creative freedom? Sometimes, a lateral move within the company can be a better fit for what you really want.

If it’s what you really want, go for it

    • Dress for the job you want, not for the job you’re in.
    • Don’t focus on your own need for a promotion but rather on how the organisation will benefit if you’re promoted. Clearly define what you have to offer and be prepared to sell yourself.
    • Keep a file with all your accomplishments, the new skills you’ve acquired, training you’ve completed and situations where you’ve taken the initiative. For example, when a client gives you positive feedback, ask if the person could put it in writing. This file will come in handy when you ask for a promotion.
    • Let your boss know about your intentions. Your boss isn’t a mind-reader. During an evaluation or one-on-one meeting, tell him or her that you’re interested in moving up the ladder. Ask what your boss is looking for in a promotion candidate, then determine whether you’re well-equipped and suited for such a position. Remember, timing is critical. Don’t ask for a promotion in the middle of a financial crunch or when your boss is overwhelmed with demands. If you choose the right time to bring up the issue, you increase your chances of being heard.
    • Don’t take rejection personally. If you’re not moving up as quickly as you would like, don’t throw in the towel. Revise your plan, talk to your boss, and keep working at it. Perhaps you haven’t yet shown that you are ready for a major move or the timing is not right financially. Remember, in business, “no” often means “not now”.

 

Sources
Ilona Jerabek, Ph.D. President of PsychTests.
www.thenakedceo.com