Getting Promoted Faster
Roberta Matuson
Strategic Advisor on Talent | Global Executive Coach | Public Speaker I Brand Ambassador | HBR Contributor I Helping organizations attract & retain the best people.
People write to me all the time. Unfortunately, they do so after they've missed out on a promotion.
I sure wish they'd reach out to me prior, as in most cases, I could have helped to ensure that the promotion went to them.
Don't be like most people.
If you're one of the many people who believe promotions are awarded based on performance alone, you are sadly mistaken.
The fasted route to getting a promotion is to focus on your boss and making him or her look like a hero.
I call this managing up, which I write about extensively in my book, Suddenly in Charge: Managing Up, Managing Down, Succeeding All Around. When your boss looks good, you look great!
Take a look at the big problems your boss is trying to solve. Then help him or her do so. That's how you get tapped on the shoulder come promotion time.
You also need to remind your boss of your contribution to the big picture. Bosses are busy people. You may think they'll remember you were the one who came up with the $20M cost saving idea that resulted in their promotion. Most likely not. And certainly not if you don't remind them.
Here are two important things to keep in mind as you look to advance in the organization.
If you don't toot your own horn in a sea of cubicles, you'll never be heard. And if you don't manage up, you won't have to worry about managing down.
I welcome your thoughts in the comment section below.
? Matuson Consulting, 2019.
Want to ensure the next promotion goes to you? I'm putting together a new offering for people interested in rapidly achieving greater success at work. I'm calling this the "Me Project." You'll pick ONE goal and for 60 days, the focus will be on you and moving that goal forward rapidly. Some of you may choose to work on landing your next promotion. Or you may seek help in finding your next job opportunity. You may elect to gain more work-life balance or change a behavior that is holding you back. Contact me at [email protected] to get going.
Strokovnjak, svetovalec, vodja / Expert, Consultant, Manager
5 年So true. Influencing upwards requires understanding and following manager objectives and company objectives (strategy) as well.
I Help Shy Introverts Build Confidence to Get New Opportunities! | Former Shy Engineer ?? ?? Confident Public Speaker, Career Coach, and ?? Program Manager | PMP
5 年Great article Roberta! I ask my managers and leaders "What can I do to make your job easier?"
Technology Adoption and Experience Expert | Technology Training & Development | Legal Technology | Lean Change Agent
5 年Great article, Roberta! Do you have any advice for remote workers? I find it hard to get my boss's attention on a consistent basis because he's office based and in meetings much of the time. Also, we both travel and frequently in different time zones.
Bachelor of Applied Arts And Sciences at Texas A&M University San Antoio,Texas
5 年After my required? time before I could apply for a higher position with a aircraft engine maintenance company here in San Antonio a position of lead mechanic came up I applied an air force mechanic applied female, a former navy sailor who's job in the navy was ordance man several others me I've always been an air craft mechanic in the navy and when I retired from the navy One day the navy bomb keeper or AO was showing a group of people me included how to connect the fuel control an an engine that tool several toque tube his exact word were to connect the tubes? with the head of the bolt opposite of UFO up, forward or out install the washer and tighten the nut snug and install the cotter key if it does go in apply more torque on the nut, basically tighten the hell out of the nut now anybody that knows how it done you install the head of the bolt up, forward or out install the washer install ?the nut till it snug anf try the cotter key if the key doesn't go in change the washer to a thinner washer. Well I get this letter from HR stating that someone with more experience wash chosen for the position who the female. every time she did know the answer to the question or something she couldn't answer or get the job done she would go to the AO for solutions. Well because of remedies to solution like this the company closed shop in 2017 would you let a company that charges $200 an hour for mechanic fees work on your equipment.