Hard Work Doesn’t Earn Promotions

Work that isn’t noticed isn’t valued. People who work hard are overlooked for promotions every day.

Helping doesn’t advance your career when others see you as a helper, not a leader.

A reputation for leading earns promotions. You’re overlooked while others pass you by because you’re a candle in a bright room.

Danger:

The danger of going the extra mile is being viewed as a good soldier. It doesn’t advance your career to be unnoticed when you help others reach their goals.

Be seen to earn promotions:

Don’t over promote yourself. You frustrate your boss when you constantly talk about getting a promotion. Four questions have power to advance your career.

1. How can I earn a promotion?
2. How can I be part of the conversation when the next advancement opportunity comes around?
3. What kind of people are historically promoted in our organization?
4. What does the leadership team look for when considering promotions?

Take notes when your boss answers your questions. Say, “Thank you for the insights. I’ll be working on these things.”

Send email updates:

Send “dear boss” updates every week or two. Make them brief and direct. Don’t mention promotions.

Dear boss,

I just want to keep you in the loop. Make a bulleted list of things you completed. Next week I plan to focus on… List three things.

Please let me know if I’m focusing in the right direction. No reply necessary.

Have a great weekend,

Tips to avoid being overlooked:

1. Stop minimizing your contribution. Don’t say, “It was nothing.”
2. When your boss asks you what you’re doing say, “I’m leading…. I finished….”
3. Don’t help everyone. Use your strengths and talents. Don’t get sucked into doing something you aren’t good at. Say, “No.”
4. Record compliments and achievements. Bring them up during performance reviews. You forget how good you are and so do others.

How are promotions earned in your organization?

Have you seen hard working people overlooked?

This article is inspired by a recent piece in the Wall Street Journal.

Dig Deeper:

“Too Good to be Promoted” is Bull Crap

One Essential After Being Passed Over For Promotion

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Previously Published on leadershipfreak with Creative Commons License

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