Landing A Promotion In 5 Steps

Scaling the corporate ladder is similar to scaling Mount Everest; It requires grit, determination and the willingness to challenge your own limitations. This perhaps may be the reason why a majority of the workforce struggles to land a promotion. As there is no single path to the job of their dreams, a significant number of employees remain stagnant and stuck in a job they cannot evolve or grow in. Here are some ways you can fix that problem;

1. Opinions Matter, Use Them To Your Advantage.

Opinions are a driving force in terms of your career growth. What does your boss think of you and your work? After all, they are the ones handing out your promotions. Unfortunately, opinions may matter more than you think they do. The power for a change in your life lies with those capable of giving you what you want; That PROMOTION. Therefore, in order to make your dreams a reality, you need to gain insight into the opinions the person giving you the promotion has in regard to you. Ask questions, and figure out ways in which you can better yourself. Being open to constructive criticism allows a change that will give you directions on how to climb the corporate ladder more efficiently instead of going in blindly and without any direction. Be honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses and work with them so that your superiors can observe your growth.

2. Make Yourself Invaluable.

As Ross Mathews once said "If you want to succeed at any job, make yourself invaluable. Go the extra mile; make them never be able to imagine what life without you there would be like." I’m aware that you are wondering how to achieve this. The answer is simple, solve your boss' problems. Every individual in the working environment is faced with several problems that need solving, particularly your boss. Therefore, dedicating yourself to solving the problems they are facing is a surefire way for you to get noticed and receive recognition. By earning the confidence of your boss, you are earning the confidence of your organization.

3. Life Is A Game Of Chess, Always Think Ahead

As an employee and an active member of society, it is your responsibility to create your own brand. The future is unpredictable and as we have seen our lives could be uprooted and transformed in a minute. The pandemic caused many job losses and entire shifts in careers. One thing that you should learn from that is to always build yourself up, learn new skills and add value both to yourself and your resume. This will both aid your quest for a promotion and create new opportunities for you. It is your responsibility to safeguard your future, you can do this by creating future opportunities for yourself. Invest in yourself, take up new certifications, and attend workshops and seminars. It may seem extremely daunting and intimidating to pick up new skills and learn something foreign; However, threading on the path not taken could very well be the path to your dream job. Fearing the unknown will only cripple you, so take the time and add value to YOU.

4. Establish Yourself As A Leader

The true meaning of a promotion is often lost on most individuals applying for one, as is its importance. You must first and foremost realise that being promoted also translates into becoming a leader. Therefore, before attaining your promotion, become a leader. This will aid you in the process of getting the promotion as your bosses are more likely to choose someone who can lead. However, keep in mind that a leader has more responsibilities to shoulder. This includes ensuring the well-being and growth of the members of your team. Reliability is amongst the key elements one should establish when they strive to become a leader, you must first become someone your team relies on and trusts. As a leader, your goal needs to shift from self-growth to the growth of the organization and your team. The corporate ladder is often depicted as a ruthless game of survival when in reality most people just want to help others grow. Become the sort of leader that focuses on the collective success of your team and wins your bosses over. This is how you can get that promotion and also add positive value to society. 5. Ask And You Shall Receive. This step is by far the most challenging in my opinion, but it is also very necessary. Most employees expect their promotions to be handed to them. This is not entirely unreasonable as most of us dedicate our time and our lives to the job. However, it is not often that this gets recognized. Therefore, in a situation where all your contributions have gone unnoticed and you are striving for a promotion. Speak up!! Inform your boss that you desire growth in your career and to move higher on the corporate ladder. Create a presentation that highlights your contributions to the organization and let them know why you are a valuable member of the organization that deserves that promotion. While it is a challenge to voice out your needs and wants, you must do so because you deserve to have a fulfilling career. More often than not, when you ask for a promotion most bosses are willing to give it out, it's just a matter of gaining the courage to do so. Women in particular struggle with asking for promotion due to the glass ceiling in the work environment. However, with that being said, current studies show that women are as likely as men to be promoted when they ask.

In conclusion, know your worth and ask for what you deserve.

We from Keystone Career hope you get that promotion and live life as a winner!!

#promotion #keystonecareer #improveyourself