Career advancement is a goal that many professionals strive for, and one of the most significant milestones in a person’s career journey is receiving a promotion. While promotions are determined by a variety of factors, there are certain strategies that can significantly increase your chances of climbing the success ladder no matter what sector you belong to. In this blog, I will discuss my top recommended actions that, if completed effectively, are guaranteed to get you a promotion.
Number one is all down to you and your commitment, Excel in Your Current Role, before you can move up the ladder, you need to excel in your current position. Consistently delivering exceptional results and exceeding expectations in your role is a fundamental task that can’t be overlooked. To achieve this, focus on:
· Setting clear goals by establishing and exceeding measurable objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) for your role.
· Demonstrating your awareness and commitment to continuous improvement actively looking for opportunities to enhance your skills and in a manner of speaking ‘futureproof’ yourself in readiness for the role you are seeking.
· Being proactive and showing initiative, taking on additional responsibilities when the opportunity presents itself.
· Building strong relationships through collaboration with work colleagues to foster a positive team-focused work environment.
My number two advice requires you to ‘imagine yourself in a leadership role’, and think about the skills that are likely to get you noticed by the hiring manager or HR in advance. Today’s employers are looking for champions at every level of the organisation who are suited to future leadership roles. Here’s how you can demonstrate your leadership potential:
· Show your ability to guide and develop talent within your current role by mentoring new hires or entry-level staff.
· Take the lead in solving complex problems and demonstrate your decision-making skills.
· Be available to suggest new ideas and innovations that can lead to process improvements or
increased efficiency.
· Show that you are a team player who works well with others to achieve common goals.
My number three suggestion won’t come as a surprise to anyone; this relates to your ability to communicate effectively with every level within the organisation. Good communicators are the lifeblood of today’s organisations; if you can show your employer that you have refined written, verbal and IT skills this could be a game-changer during a selection process. Here are some guidelines:
· Through active listening you listen attentively to what others are saying, and you ask questions for clarification when needed.
· Always tailor your communication style to suit your audience, this means preparing well for meetings or seminars and writing considered reports, emails or any other form of business correspondence.
· When you are asked for feedback offer your thoughts/concerns/suggestions in a constructive and supportive manner.
· Demonstrate the above by organising your thoughts and messages in a structured way.
Number four refers to being prepared and self-accountability; essentially, we are all in command of our career destiny. This means that you should take Ownership of Your Professional Development; again, this refers to every employee at every level within the organisation. My suggestions here are based on years of experience with clients that I have coached into career-progressing roles.
· Clearly define your career path and objectives – be ready when opportunities arise.
· Continuously invest in acquiring new skills and staying up to date with sectoral trends – this can be achieved by job shadowing, identifying a coach or mentor, informal in-company training, volunteering and formal training courses or workshops.
· Actively request feedback from your superiors and colleagues to identify areas for improvement.
· Do your gap analysis; there may be a role that you have your eye on – get the job description and establish your strengths and weaknesses in terms of the skills, experience and knowledge needed for the role.
· Build a strong professional network both within and outside your organisation to expand your opportunities.
And my final suggestion is that you demonstrate commitment and loyalty to your employer. Loyalty, consistency, and a strong work ethic are highly valued in every workplace. Employers promote individuals who are dedicated, reliable, and willing to go the extra mile. To demonstrate a strong work ethic, you should:
· Be responsive, punctual and reliable in every aspect of your work. This isn’t something that you can show retrospectively. Play the long game and don’t rely on a last-minute sprint to help you nail your promotion.
· Show dedication to your role and the business in all your actions and contributions. What would others say about you for instance the customers you deal with?
· Prioritise tasks, manage your time effectively and avoid procrastination.
· Be flexible open to change and willing to take on new challenges.
Use my five suggestions above to check in with yourself if you are planning a career move – how do you rate yourself against the skills and competencies listed above? While there are no guarantees when it comes to promotions, completing these five tasks can significantly increase your chances of climbing the success ladder. With January and New Year’s Resolutions just around the corner set out your stall to excel in your current role, show leadership skills, communicate effectively and take ownership of your career destiny. Bear in mind that promotions are not just about what you achieve but also how you approach your work and the value you bring to your team and company.