What do you do if your leadership presence and influence aren't getting you promoted in IT Strategy?

I have learnt to distinguish controllables from non-controllables that influence progression. Things such as market conditions cannot be controlled and should be ignored. One should keep doing the good work as they will progress when the tide turns. I focus on what I can influence. I utilize techniques such as introspection, mentor feedback, learning from industry leaders, etc. to identify improvement areas. I then create a plan and execute on that plan to come out stronger than before. In this process, maintaining perspective on the 'why' is crucial, for if one loses that perspective, critical aspects like family tend to be neglected, which could lead to irreversible damage.

Assessing your performance within the IT realm is crucial for professional growth and organizational success. Evaluate your track record: Are you consistently delivering results, solving problems, and adding value? Effective communication with peers, managers, and stakeholders is vital. Assess if you demonstrate initiative, creativity, and innovation in your approach. Ensure your goals align with the strategic vision and priorities of the organization. If you answer yes to these questions, you're on a solid path to IT leadership. Otherwise, focus on enhancing your performance and showcasing your achievements for advancement.

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Reflecting on one's own performance and contributions is the foundation for aspiring to leadership within the IT strategy team and the broader organization. An honest self-assessment involves examining one’s track record in delivering results, problem-solving capabilities, and the value added to the organization. Effective communication with peers, managers, and stakeholders is equally critical, as is demonstrating initiative, creativity, and innovation. Aligning one's goals and actions with the strategic vision and priorities of the organization is paramount. If these criteria are met, it signifies a robust foundation for leadership. Conversely, identifying any gaps provides a clear direction for personal development.

It is sometimes hard to evaluate your own performance, so you should regularly ask yourself questions and also ask peers or others who work with you. How is your communication? Are you aligning to the strategy of the company? and using initiative, creativity in your work?

Start by creating a list of all your stakeholders. These are your higher-ups, obviously, but you should be able to identify 10-20 more, together with their assumed expectations. Then start challenging your expectations. How? Talk with them. ASK. Based on their stated, confirmed expectations, find ways to make a lasting positive impression on each of them. (By giving them what they want, what they need, or at least attention.) Sufficient standing with the majority of your stakeholders will set you up for further success.

After self-assessment, the next step to IT leadership involves seeking feedback and mentorship. Solicit honest input from colleagues, mentors, and coaches to identify strengths and areas for growth. Act on feedback received and seek guidance from seasoned leaders, both within and outside your organization. Emulate their qualities, attend industry events, and engage in continuous learning. This collaborative approach accelerates your journey towards leadership excellence in IT.

One crucial aspect to consider is your fit within the organizational culture, as it significantly influences how others perceive and respond to your leadership. To gain a deeper understanding of an organization's culture, it's vital to observe and analyze its patterns, behaviors, and beliefs. This insight reveals what the organization values and rewards. Misalignment of values with the organizations can hinder career progression. Furthermore, assess your adaptation to the work environment and dynamics. Are you effectively communicating, collaborating, and handling conflicts constructively? These factors are pivotal for successful leadership.

Adapting your style, behavior, and communication to fit the context and situation demonstrates your ability to integrate seamlessly into the organizational culture. Showing respect, appreciation, and collaboration towards your colleagues fosters a positive work environment and enhances team dynamics. Moreover, demonstrating your commitment, passion, and loyalty to the team and organization reinforces your dedication to shared goals and objectives. In summary, aligning with the culture and values of your IT strategy team and organization is essential for effective leadership. By understanding and embracing the organizational ethos, you contribute to a harmonious workplace and drive collective success.

In the realm of IT strategy leadership, continuous learning and growth are indispensable. Even if you don't receive a promotion, it's crucial to commit to personal and professional development. Leadership is an ongoing journey, demanding perpetual evolution to remain effective. Embrace new challenges, seek diverse experiences, and push your boundaries to broaden your horizons. Reflect on both successes and failures, leveraging feedback and mentorship for improvement. Celebrate milestones and acknowledge progress while maintaining humility, curiosity, and openness. Strive relentlessly for excellence, as growth knows no bounds in the dynamic landscape of IT leadership.

Ask your self why does this matter? What will the promotion do for you? What did others who did get promoted do? Are you willing to do that? Are those actions congruent with your values? Is the price worth it to you? Figure out what your mission is, why this is your mission and what you are willing to do to achieve it. All else is noise and distraction.

For some, a title is more valuable than other incentives and can be negotiated. Stack rank the job dimensions that are meaningful, ie. health plan, bonus, salary, equity, title, scope, location, and other personally meaningful factors. It can be illuminating to see what an earnest introspection can reveal. Create a job description for the position of interest. Confirm the qualifications, requirements, expectations, and desirable qualities with any stakeholders or decision-makers. Search for similar job descriptions in open requisitions to calibrate the shape of the job and range of applicable titles and compensation packages. Show the plan and achievements for delivering on the calibrated job description.

1. Developing specific skills in IT strategy, such as IT architecture, data analytics, or cloud computing. 2. Building stronger relationships with key stakeholders, including business leaders and external partners. 3. Taking on high-visibility projects that demonstrate your strategic thinking and execution skills. 4. Expanding your network beyond IT to better understand business goals and challenges. 5. Developing a strong personal brand, showcasing your expertise and thought leadership. 6. Seeking feedback and coaching from mentors or leadership development programs. 8. Demonstrating your ability to drive innovation and transformation. 10. Considering a lateral move to a different department or company to gain new perspectives.