If you have ever felt the frustration of being overlooked for a promotion you felt certain you would be given, don’t give up. Persistence will pay off for you if you keep trying to impress your manager but it helps to have a solid plan to base your promotion prospects upon. You may well know all that you need to know to be highly effective in the role that you are aiming to get promoted to; however, you have to be able to implement that knowledge to be noticed. What follows is a short guide about the first three steps you can take to plan for and achieve your desired promotion.
Setting goals that contribute to professional growth and demonstrate value to your organisation is crucial for increasing the likelihood of getting a promotion. Here are three common but important goals to consider:
Identify key skills relevant to your current role and the desired position for promotion. Create a plan to develop and enhance these skills through training, workshops, online courses, or on-the-job learning. Follow on by regularly assessing your progress and adjust your skill development plan as needed. For example, if you're in a marketing role and aiming for a promotion to a managerial position, you might focus on developing leadership, project management, and data analysis skills.
Take ownership of projects and consistently deliver high-quality results. Attempt to demonstrate leadership by effectively coordinating team efforts and managing resources. When possible schedule 1-1s with your manager to keep them informed about the progress your project is making. It is wise to seek feedback from colleagues and superiors to identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments. For example, if you're in a project management role, you could set a goal to successfully lead a complex project from initiation to completion, ensuring that it meets or exceeds expectations and making sure that your superiors are informed and backing you every step of the way to get full recognition for your endeavour.
Proactively identify opportunities for process improvement or new initiatives within your department. Taking the lead in proposing and implementing innovative solutions that contribute to the company's goals will show you are a dedicated and valuable member of your team. Attempt to showcase your ability to think creatively and strategically to solve problems and drive positive change. For example, in a technology-related role, you might set a goal to propose and implement a new tool or process that increases efficiency or addresses a specific challenge faced by the team and wow your colleagues by the innovative nature of the way you have solved the problem.
Remember to align your goals with the overall objectives of the organisation, and regularly communicate your progress to your supervisor. Additionally, building positive relationships with colleagues, being a team player, and showcasing a strong work ethic are essential factors that complement these goals and contribute to a well-rounded professional profile. In time, you will become invaluable to your employers and this will help when it comes to possibl;e promotions and contract renegotiations. Be sure to document your progress on OurSails in relevant topics that you have created for any of your plans.