3 signs your boss is not going to promote you

Hey friend,

Too many women I meet are going about getting promoted the wrong way, and have no idea until that promotion they were eyeing is given to someone else or posted externally.

I've even had clients tell me that their colleague who was promoted is a lower performer than they are, and they can't figure out what happened!

If you've felt any of this, today's newsletter is for you. You see, many of us miss the signs that are staring us right in the face. And if we aren't aware that something needs fixing, how on earth will we know to fix it?

So today I'll be sharing:

3 signs your boss is not going to promote you

Let's jump in...

Sign #1: The only feedback you get is "Keep doing what you're doing"

Now, this may surprise you because often, when we hear, "Keep doing what you're doing," we also hear, "You're doing an amazing job, and there's nothing you could improve to get to the next level."

I want to be clear: they aren't the same thing!

If you're not getting regular and constructive feedback from your manager, it's actually a BAD sign, because constructive feedback indicates that your manager is invested in you and wants to see you get better.

Let's face it: most of us don't love getting constructive feedback. We'd rather just hear the good stuff. But consider that constructive feedback indicates the following:

• Trust in Your Abilities: Constructive feedback indicates that your boss trusts your abilities and is confident in your potential to grow. It reflects their belief that you can handle more complex tasks and challenges.
• Mentorship: Constructive feedback is often part of a mentorship process. If your boss is mentoring you, it’s a clear indication that they are grooming you for a bigger role.
• Commitment: When your boss provides regular feedback, it shows they are committed to your growth and development. This is a sign that they see potential in you and are willing to invest time and effort to help you reach your full potential.
• Monitoring Development: Regular feedback allows your boss to track your progress over time. This ongoing evaluation helps them see your improvement and readiness for a promotion.

So instead of patting yourself on the back when you walk out of a review or 1:1 without any constructive feedback, ask your manager if they'd be willing to provide feedback in the areas you need to grow to get to that next level. If you can't get them on board, you may need to consider finding a new boss.

Sign #2: You're not being given any stretch assignments

Again, this is one that often flies under the radar. You think to yourself, 'I'm doing my job, and that's what I was hired to do' even though you see your colleagues being given additional responsibilities or new projects to lead.

Even worse is if you're offered a stretch assignment and turn it down because it's 'not your job' or doesn't come with a pay raise. This is a huge mistake!

Being given stretch assignments is an indication your boss is thinking of promoting you because by giving you this additional responsibility, they are:

• Testing your leadership and management skills
• Demonstrating they have confidence in you, and your ability to perform at a higher level
• Providing you with an opportunity to gain additional visibility in the organization
• Creating an opportunity to provide feedback
• Preparing you for higher roles

If you've turned down opportunities for this in the past, it's not too late to put up your hand! If you've never been asked to take on more, consider making the offer in your next 1:1.

Sign #3: You're not having conversations about your career goals

Or on the flip side, if your manager is asking you about your career path and goals, it's a sign they're thinking about bigger things for you!

But what if they're not?

Many people assume it's their manager's responsibility to make these conversations happen. And again, if your manager has already decided that you are destined for bigger things, they may be initiating these conversations. But at the end of the day, you are the one who stands to gain the most, so why leave it in their hands?

I get it, work is busy and most of your 1:1s are spent going through your long list of questions and requests, so you never get to the big stuff. Sound familiar?

Friend, let me be the one to say that YOU are the one responsible for initiating these conversations. After all, it's your career!

My recommendation would be to set up a process where you are having these conversations on a regular basis (monthly or quarterly), so you don't have to always bring it up out of the blue. In my previous newsletter about dealing with an unsupportive manager , I shared a 30 day check-in template that works well for this.

So ask yourself - do any of these signs apply to me and my situation? If so, at least you know now and can look at turning things around. Maybe you aren't at the top of their list for a promotion today, but that doesn't mean you can't be!

PS. Are you a woman manager or director who saw yourself in this newsletter? My group program was created for women just like you, to help you land a director or VP role. I've helped a ton of women get promoted already and would love to add you to the list. Book a call with me here to see if it's right for you.

Until next time, friends... ????

Katy