Have you ever wondered that maybe it’s time for you to be promoted? You’ve been putting in the work and you feel you deserve a promotion, but how do you let your boss know that without being too obvious?
These five actions will appeal to your boss’ biases about promotability, without making you look insincere.
1. Go above and beyond
Anyone can do what they’re told. But in order to be promoted, you have to stretch your boundaries. Volunteer to take on additional responsibilities is one the best ways to demonstrate your work ethic, energy, and skills. It also lets your boss know that you’re ready to do even more. Your boss will think that you are ready for a bigger role.
2. Don’t be too irreplaceable
The key here is not to be seen as the only person able to perform the necessary tasks in the position that you want to move on from. Why? Because the boss will think that promoting you isn’t worth the risk of finding someone to replace you.
The best way is to find a balance between doing your best and showing that you are prepared for more is by helping other people to develop the skills and the important aspects of your job.
Not only will you find your replacement, you will also show that you can handle the responsibility that comes with a more advanced position.
3. Show your Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Always take care of your behaviours and temperament. No boss wants to be known as the one who promoted a person with bad behaviours. Show your boss that you have enough self-awareness to acknowledge your weaknesses and to work on them. Emotional self-control is the result of hard work, not a skill.
4. Make sure you’re speaking the company’s language
Bosses love it when you see what could be useful to the company in the long term and tell them about it in a language they understand.
Learn the vocabulary of the executive team and your boss. Whether that’s KPIs (Key Performance Indicators), profit margin, or market share, know what the terms mean and why they’re important so you can use them correctly when speaking with upper management.
Speaking the right language will not only show that you’re interested in more than your current role, but it will also demonstrate your intelligence and fit within the company.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask for a promotion
Not everyone wants to be promoted, some are just happy to do the same job for years. So, you should tell your boss that you’re not like these people.
It’s important that you desire something specific, if not a specific job title, then at least a clear idea of what the responsibilities might include and how this ties in to your career goals. If the job requires skills you don’t have yet, outline your plan for acquiring them
You have to remember that you may not get the promotion. If that happens, ask for feedback. For example, ask which of the critical skills you lack and what you need to do to be ready for the next opportunity.
Promotions don’t just happen. You don’t get promoted as a reward for your performance, you get promoted because your boss thinks you have the potential to add more value in a larger role.
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This article is based on Dr. Travis Bradberry’s “Are You Promotable”
