Learnings from the Promotions I Got and Those That I Didn't
Carson V. Heady
Best-Selling Author | Managing Director, Americas - Microsoft Tech for Social Impact | Podcast Host | Sales Hall of Fame
As I reflect on my career and the journey of writing my fifth and likely final novel, I find myself delving into the stories that have shaped my professional life. One aspect that stands out prominently is the trajectory of promotions — the highs, the lows, and the valuable lessons learned along the way.
In my career, I've been fortunate to experience seven promotions. However, the road to success is not without its share of setbacks. I've faced rejection on 3 promotions and thousands of roles, had a role created for me that was given to someone else (!) and even had to sadly turn down multiple promotions for a variety of reasons.
Each of these experiences has contributed to a wealth of insights that I believe are worth sharing.
1. Strategic Approach
My first promotion required me to articulate why I, as a top contributor, should be promoted when I could keep churning out the best results in the business as an individual contributor.
I focused on how my promotion could positively impact team morale and provide a clear career path for top performers while I could be a multiplier.
Subsequent promotions involved presenting specific ideas to address challenges, implementing plans, and sharing best practices. Being strategic and de-risking the hiring decision became a recurring theme in my successful promotions.
The moves I have made have been because of relationships and reputation, two things you do have a hand in controlling.
2. Proactive Learning
Promotions are not guaranteed by tenure alone. Merely showing up and putting in the time doesn't make you the obvious choice. Even when you are the apparent candidate, factors such as relationships, sponsors, and the immediate fit for the role come into play. Continuous learning, adapting, and evolving are key components to increase your chances of success.
领英推荐
3. Building Influence
Building a network of sponsors within the organization is as crucial as having a supportive manager. Casting a wide net, seeking out individuals in roles you aspire to, and understanding their challenges contribute to creating a groundswell of influence. When others in the organization vouch for you, it significantly de-risks the hiring decision for the manager.
4. Storytelling and Visibility
Fundamentals like a well-crafted resume, a career walking deck, and a thoughtful 30-60-90 day plan are essential. However, the real differentiator lies in storytelling and visibility. Painting a vivid picture of how your experiences have prepared you for the challenges of the new role can set you apart. Moreover, don't downplay challenges; instead, highlight how you've successfully navigated similar situations in the past.
5. Assume the Position
Sometimes, the path to your next role may not be obvious. By assuming a leadership position in an interim period, you not only demonstrate your capabilities but also gain immediate visibility. This proactive approach can significantly enhance your chances when the formal hiring process takes place.
Embracing Uncertainty for Future Success
In the ever-evolving professional landscape, the next career move may not be apparent, and that's perfectly okay. Embrace the uncertainty and focus on building a personal brand that reflects your strengths and aspirations. The job you envision might not even exist today, but by consistently adding value and showcasing your skills, you position yourself for success in unforeseen opportunities.
Promotions are not guaranteed, but they can be strategically pursued and earned. By adopting a proactive and strategic approach, continuously learning, building influential relationships, showcasing your story, and embracing uncertainty, you can navigate the path to career advancement with resilience and success. Remember, it's not always about the promotion you didn't get; it's about learning, growing, and positioning yourself for the next opportunity on the horizon.
Good luck on your journey!
#CareerSuccess #ProfessionalDevelopment #LeadershipInsights #CareerAdvancement #SuccessStories #CareerTips #PromotionStrategies #LearnAndGrow #CareerJourney
Public Speaker|Communicator|Author|Mentor to Leaders|Thought Leader for Trainers|Adviser to Coaches|Edutainer
9 个月I coach my team around the concept that 99% of the time- you are not interviewing for THIS position; your are interviewing for NEXT. You will sharpen your saw, learn some things, and mostly people will see you in the interview and your brand awareness will increase!
Transforming sales with data-driven strategies. Unlocking business potential through innovative, customer-centric solutions.
9 个月I particularly like the element of the lesson where you made clear the significance of not letting rejections define you and to keep working had.?The skills on haggling and the use of offers as a bargaining chip are also invaluable.?Therefore, this is a very informative article which I think will serve as a source of guidance for many professionals.?Go on like this!
Americas Lead - Security & AI Strategy at Microsoft | IEEE Senior Member (Cybersecurity) | Podcaster | Public Speaker
9 个月Great thoughts Carson!! Made me think this. Articulation on WHY and connecting with the value is the key! Without articulation, it's just a bunch of words and numbers. I also agree about the value of experience. Do you have 10 years of experience or 1 year of experience 10 times?
Demystify selling with Microsoft. Learn what it takes to partner with Microsoft field sellers.
9 个月Reading this article, it really stood out to me that it's not just doing one of the things you talked about, rather its how you do them all consistently over time. Excellent article and guidance (as always) Carson V. Heady