What do you do if your leadership abilities aren't getting you promoted in content strategy?

One thing I've found helpful in this situation is to go beyond self-assessment and delve into proactive demonstration of your leadership capabilities. Here's why: Sure, self-reflection is crucial, but showcasing your leadership skills through action can be even more impactful. Think about it this way: imagine two content strategists competing for a promotion. One excels at internal reflection, but keeps their ideas to themselves. The other takes initiative, spearheads a new content format that drives results, and rallies the team around the project. Who do you think stands out more as a leader?

If your leadership isn't translating to promotions in content strategy, consider these: 1. Focus may be off: Ensure your leadership complements content goals. Did you inspire and guide the team to create high-performing content? 2. Visibility matters: Showcase your leadership. Did you present content strategy wins to higher-ups or take ownership of successful campaigns? 3. Skill Gap?: Content strategy leadership might require data analysis or budget management. Address any skill gaps that could be holding you back.

Most of the times we get trapped in our believes and go out of the road. Getting feedback from a good friend or colleague can help us see much more clear. Maybe its no one’s fault but we’re missing something.

One thing I've found helpful in this situation is to go beyond just gathering feedback. While understanding how others perceive your leadership is crucial, proactively demonstrate the leadership skills valued for promotions in content strategy. Here are a few but unique ways to demonstrate leadership in content strategy 1- Champion a new content initiative- Identify a content gap or an underperforming area. Research, propose, and lead the development of a new strategy to address it. 2- Mentor junior team members- Share your knowledge and experience by mentoring colleagues. This not only helps them grow, but also positions you as a leader within the team.

An example I've seen is where a content strategist with strong leadership skills wasn't getting promoted because the focus was solely on management. They addressed this by expanding their skills in SEO and content analytics. Here's how it played out: One thing they found helpful was taking online courses and earning certifications in SEO best practices and content analytics tools. This not only deepened their understanding of content performance but also allowed them to demonstrate a data-driven approach to content strategy. They started implementing A/B testing on headlines and content formats, analyzing user behavior to see what resonated with the audience.

By focusing on building visibility through thought leadership, networking, and strategic collaboration, you can enhance your professional reputation and increase your chances of getting promoted in content strategy. Attend networking events, join professional organizations, and build relationships with other professionals in content strategy. Networking can help you expand your connections and open up new opportunities for career advancement. Also, work on cross-functional projects within your organization or collaborate with other teams to showcase your skills and expertise. Building strong working relationships with colleagues can also increase your visibility within the organization.

Remember, there is virtually no downside to overcommunicating your team's wins. People get turned off by tacky and selfish internal promotional styles, but done tactfully and with humility, it won't seem like bragging.

Mentoring others can be a great way to demonstrate your leadership skills and expertise in the field. By sharing your knowledge and guiding others, you showcase your ability to communicate effectively, problem-solve, and think strategically. Additionally, mentoring can help you build a strong professional network and establish yourself as a thought leader in the industry. As you help others grow and succeed, you also enhance your own reputation and credibility, which can increase your visibility within your organization and beyond. Furthermore, mentoring can provide you with opportunities to learn and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in content strategy.

Here are some things to: -Identify missing skills: Promotions often require a broader skillset. Research the desired position and see if there are areas you need to strengthen, like data analysis or budget management. -Seek feedback: Talk to your manager or colleagues about what you can improve on for a leadership role. -Expand your influence: Look for opportunities to lead outside your team. Volunteer for cross-departmental projects or mentor junior colleagues. -Focus on results: Demonstrate the impact of your leadership. Highlight how your guidance improved team performance or content strategy effectiveness. -Visibility matters: Make sure your contributions are recognized. Proactively share your achievements and ideas with higher-ups.

Unfortunately sometimes you are a penguin in the desert. Sometimes it's not you but the surrounding. Try to analyze the situation in your company. Is it really your fault, or is your company not growing enough or don't has the right structure for you to rise. If so, be open minded to seek a change. There are many great companies out there in which you are able to grow.