??When Your Boss Commends You – But Doesn’t Give You That Next Step ??

Dear Leaders,

It’s a situation many professionals find themselves in: being appreciated, praised, and even thanked by your boss, and still not get that ‘much-coveted’ promotion. If one’s manager provides mixed signals in terms of both words and deeds, one must learn how to maneuver properly for career progression. This is how you can easily overcome this challenge to get that promotion you so much deserve.

?? 1. Get Clarity:

Begin by asking for an understanding of what is happening. Initiate a career related discussion with your immediate superior. This is your chance to declare your career aspirations, to learn about promotion standards, and to spot new possibilities for career growth. Ask questions like:

“Looking to the next level, what tasks require specific skills and experiences which I should possess?”

‘Can we have a clear plan with goals and objectives regarding the career path that an employee is to follow while in the organization?’

Example: Suppose you have been performing well in a particular position for one year now. Call your boss and say, “I appreciate your kind words regarding my work. I would like to talk about the measures that I can take to get promoted. May I meet you to work out the promotion plan?”

?? 2. Take Action:

When you have attained this level of understanding, then it is time for implementation. Discuss with your manager and have a career path plan showing where you need development in terms of experience, knowledge or skills. While making headway, maintain a record of your performance, which highlights your adherence to the plan.

Example: If you have a manager who emphasizes the importance of leadership experience, offer to head a new project or a team. Maintain documentation of your accomplishments which may be enhancing organizational performance or completion of projects. It is advisable to share such updates with your manager during your progress meetings to demonstrate your progress.

?? 3. Seek Influential Allies and Advocates:

A relevant internal network should be developed because it helps you advance in the company. Come up with powerful references that can make people know you and endorse you more. Seek ways to work with them, seek reference from them and show that you are useful to them.

Example: Collect information about a senior executive in your organization whose work you admire. Approach them with an offer to volunteer to help on one of their tasks or request for their tutelage. Informal communications with important people provide one with important information and an opportunity to demonstrate one’s worth to those who can help in career advancement.

Conclusion:

Positive feedback but no promotion is not a nice feeling to wake up to, nonetheless, here are key steps on how to pave the way for your promotion: Yes it’s true that career advancement is a process and the above steps will help you realize your dreams.

Best of luck in your career choice,

Aashish Singhal

Founder, Navigating Leadership with The Financial Soul

Follow me on LinkedIn? Aashish Singhal

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