How to Position Yourself for the Promotion You Want and Deserve

Here’s a topic that's on everyone's mind: how to position yourself for the promotion you want and, most importantly, deserve. Whether you're aiming to move up the corporate ladder, land a new job elsewhere, or secure a pay raise, these strategies can help you stand out and make a compelling case for your advancement.

1. Understand the Lay of the Land

Before you can even begin positioning yourself for a promotion, it's essential to have a clear understanding of your organization's structure, politics, and the expectations for your current role. This foundational knowledge will provide you with a roadmap for your career progression. To get started:

• Research: If you haven’t done this yet, then you must take the time to research your company's promotion policies and criteria. Understand what's expected at each level of advancement. This knowledge will help you identify the skills and accomplishments you need so you can position what you already have and work on the rest.
• Seek Feedback: Engage in open conversations with your manager about your career goals. Ask for feedback on your performance and what areas you can focus on to qualify for the promotion. Constructive feedback can be a valuable compass guiding you towards your goal.
• Networking: Connect with individuals in roles similar to the one you're aiming for. By building relationships with these colleagues, you can gain insights into their journey, and you could even ask them how they positioned themselves for their promotions.

2. Showcase Your Achievements

Promotions are typically not handed out based on your career aspirations; they are earned through a track record of success and a demonstration of value to the organization. To position yourself effectively, you need to showcase your achievements and contributions. Here's how:

• Document Successes: Keep a record of your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem at the time. Use quantifiable metrics and specific examples to highlight your impact on projects, your team, or the company's bottom line. And… don’t keep them to yourself. Share them during review meetings or other conversations with your manager, as relevant.
• Collaboration Skills: Emphasize your ability to work well with others. A promotion often comes with increased responsibility and leadership. Highlight your teamwork, mentorship, and communication skills to demonstrate your readiness for the next level. Look for opportunities to be in the spotlight, such as presenting and speaking up in meetings.
• Extra Effort: Go the extra mile by volunteering for special projects, taking on additional responsibilities, or seeking professional development opportunities. Show that you're committed to your personal and professional growth.

Having said this, be strategic about WHAT tasks you take on or you could overstretch yourself and no longer have time to network or otherwise take charge of your career. What you want is positive visibility. Anything else can become counterproductive because:

Productivity doesn’t get you promoted. Positive visibility gets you promoted.

3. Positioning Your Potential

In addition to showcasing your past achievements, it's crucial to position your future potential… After all, that’s what you want to get paid for, right? Communicate your preparedness and ability to grow into the role you're aiming for. Here's how:

• Showcase Your Aspirations: Express your enthusiasm for the position and your long-term commitment to the company. A clear vision for your future within the organization can be a compelling argument for your promotion.
• Commit to Growth: Demonstrate your commitment to personal and professional growth by pursuing relevant training or coaching. Your dedication to self-improvement reflects a desire to be a valuable asset in your new role.
• Proactive Solution-Finding: Rather than focusing on problem-solving, exhibit your solution-finding skills… not just in your current role but also in scenarios related to the role you aspire to. Showcase your adaptability and ability to handle future challenges.

In conclusion, positioning yourself for the promotion you want and deserve is about more than just wanting it – it's about strategically building your case and demonstrating your value. By understanding your organization, showcasing your achievements and your “unique assets”, and positioning your potential, you'll be well on your way to securing that promotion and achieving your career goals in the long run.

Remember, it's not just about the destination; it's about the journey, the lessons learned, and the growth you experience along the way. So, start your journey today with these strategies, and you'll be well on your way to the promotion you've been working so hard for.