Why is it that some people get promoted, and others don’t? What is it about what they do that makes them get that promotion? Is it because they’ve been at the company for a long time?
You also have to ask yourself, do you want that promotion? A lot of the times, promotions don’t necessarily mean a salary increase, it’s just a change of job title.
How many times have you noticed that that the person being promoted is completely unqualified for the position? For me, it’s too many to count.
According to research from Gallup, companies fail to make the right person manager 82% of the time , so obviously there is a problem on both ends.
Many people think that the only way to get promoted is by putting in overtime, to show the company that you’re a “go-getter.” Show up early and leave late.
I’m here to tell you that that’s not the case at all.
First, let’s go through a few reasons why people don’t get promoted. Then, I’ll list some things to keep in mind when trying to get a job promotion.
Reasons You Aren’t Getting Promoted
There are many reasons why you wouldn’t be considered for a promotion, but here are a few of them. Make sure to work on these issues if you’re thinking about a promotion.
1. You Don’t Have The Required Skills
The Peter Principle is something that everyone should be familiar with if you’re not already. The Peter Principle is a concept in management that says that people are promoted based on their skills in their current role, and not for the future role.
The obvious way to fix this is to learn the skills necessary for the role you’re trying to get. Learning those skills is easier said than done, but it can be done.
Feel free to ask someone either currently in that role or someone in HR what skills are necessary, and then I guarantee you that you can find a way to learn it online. Websites like Udemy, edX, Codecademy, etc. are amazing resources.
2. You Don’t Have Soft Skills
Usually, if you’re being promoted to a higher position, you’ll need to develop more soft skills like communication and problem-solving.
My favorite examples of this is when a software developer becomes the leader of the team and is now responsible for training, developing and coaching their employees. I’ve seen this first-hand many times; they often don’t have the necessary soft skills to be a good coach. Most developers I know like staying in their bubble with their headphones on.
Mastering soft-skills is a bit trickier, but it also can be done. Show initiative and mentor newer employees. This will show management that you’re ready to act as a coach.
3. You Don’t Learn From Feedback
Feedback is meant to help you grow and be better, so don’t become defensive about it.
I’ve seen so many people make this mistake, and I even do it sometimes, although now I’m getting much better.
It’s natural that your first reaction to feedback is to get defensive and explain yourself, but instead, try and understand why they’re telling you this. Listen to what they’re saying, and see what you can improve on.
How To Get Promoted
Now, let me give you a few tips to getting that promotion you deserve. Companies can use employee surveys to figure out if their employees are happy in their current role.
1. Speak Up
A very important life lesson is that everyone, in every position, is dealing with their personal issues. No offense to you, but they don’t have time to notice every little thing you do. That’s why it’s important for you to make yourself noticed.
Without being arrogant, it’s perfectly okay to tell your boss about some of your accomplishments.
Here’s a little tip for anyone reading this – publicly praise your coworkers. This will show upper management that you’re ready to be a leader that praises and recognizes their team’s hard work.
2. Find A Mentor
I mentioned earlier in the post that you should be a mentor to other people, but I think everyone should have their mentor, someone they learn from.
Any successful entrepreneur or business person I’ve ever spoken to has had at least one mentor that they can turn to to bounce ideas off of.
Another side bonus is that if the mentor is higher up in the company, maybe they can vouch for you for a promotion.
3. Don’t Play Politics
Your focus should be exclusively on the promotion. Things like learning new skills, volunteering for projects, and mentoring should be taking up your time and energy – not politics.
Don’t waste your time with that nonsense, and just stay focused.
4. Be Patient
Being patient is very important.
Even if you never get that promotion, you’re learning new skills, developing relationships and growing as a person.
But don’t worry, keep going at it, and slowly but surely you’ll start to get the recognition you deserve. You won’t get a promotion after a week of doing this; it takes time.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Be Afraid To Ask
There’s nothing wrong with letting your boss or HR manager know that you’re interested in a promotion, and you want to learn more about what it would take to get there. Doing that shows great initiative.
Any Tips To Share About Job Promotions?
Anything you think I left out? Let me know your thoughts on Twitter @JacobShriar or @Officevibe
Read more: Promoted From Peer to Leader? 4 Ways to Make a Smooth Transition