So You Want a Promotion. Does Anyone Besides You Know That?

You can wait around for a promotion to happen. And wait. And wait. And wait. Or, you can take proactive steps to get that promotion. It’s up to you. But, the proactive approach is more likely to get you the results you want a lot more quickly.

Think About What You Want and What You Bring to the Table

Before you speak with anyone about your career ambitions — think about what you want for yourself. Create your goals: Where do you see yourself next? What types of roles and responsibilities match your skills and interests? How can you help your organization the most with the talents you bring to the table? Where do you see yourself fitting in and succeeding in your organization?

Talk to Your Immediate Supervisor

Now that you have a better handle on what you want and where you think your talents could earn you a promotion, it’s time to set up a chat with your immediate supervisor.

Tell your supervisor you’ve got your eye on moving up — that you think you’re ready for a promotion. Find out what the boss says: Does he or she think you’re ready? Are there upward career paths available in your organization for you? Know what your options are.

If your boss thinks you need to do something before you can be promoted — listen and do what’s asked of you! Earning a supervisor’s buy-in and support can have a huge impact on your career. Your boss is in a great position to lobby for you or bring you in on projects that could increase your visibility and showcase your talents. And, believe it or not, not everybody wants a promotion — which means it’s important to make it clear that career advancement is definitely on your agenda.

Plant the Seeds for Promotion Everywhere!

It also doesn’t hurt to “plant seeds” beyond your immediate department. Now you don’t want to alienate your current supervisor (a great way for you to move up is to help your boss move up, too!). But, it’s perfectly acceptable to let the higher-ups in the organization know that you’re an “on board” team member with growth potential. Find ways to toot your own horn ... to go the extra mile so you’re noticed beyond the perimeter of your current department. Ask for extra assignments. Volunteer for more visible interdepartmental projects. Be seen as a “next level’ person with everyone in your organization.

Remember: wanting a promotion and deserving a promotion are two different things. Don’t guess at whether you deserve a promotion — and don’t leave anyone else guessing either. Be a person of action and get as many people in your corner as possible!

What If None of This Works?

You’ve told all the right people you want a promotion. You’ve shown them you deserve a promotion. You’ve stacked up a list of accomplishments that reaches sky-high. And yet there’s still no sign of a promotion in your future. What do you do?

Sometimes you hit a career wall through no fault of your own. Sometimes there just aren’t opportunities for future growth in your current organization. Or, other times you simply can’t get the career advancement support you need within in your organization, because your boss and others don’t see the promotion potential you know lies within you.

It may be that your next promotion might not come from within your company. You might have to “promote yourself” by securing a bigger, better position elsewhere.

Just remember this: whether it’s at your current organization or at a new one, don’t assume others know what you want. It’s your job to communicate your intentions. So be proactive ... go after what you want in your career!

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“Find out who you are and do it on purpose.”

“If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought.”