How to get promoted

In life, we’re taught that if we work really hard and do the right things, we will be rewarded.

• Get an A - it goes on the fridge

• Go to a good school - everybody claps

• Do well at your job - crickets…

What gives?

The reality:

To progress in your career, you need to be your own biggest advocate.

Scroll down for 3 secrets to boost your chances of progression, promotion, and (more) pay.

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3 hidden secrets to getting promoted (that everyone should know):

#1: Know what you want (and ask for it)

You’re not getting promoted because you’re too short-sighted.

Long-term goals differentiate you from everyone else just trying to get ahead.

(Bonus: they also add meaning to your work)

Use them to your advantage:

1. Create your long-term vision (aligned to your company’s goals)

2. Communicate it to your manager

3. Ask what it takes to get there (be specific)

4. Execute:

   1. Develop your skill set

   2. Take on stretch projects

   3. Connect with relevant people

5. Track your wins

6. Celebrate your progress regularly (and outwardly)

#2: Build your fan base (start with your manager)

Relationships matter.

I know some people have an early advantage here - I won’t ignore that.

But, that shouldn’t stop you from finding loyal followers of your brand:

1. Know what you want to be known for (hint: values, strengths)

2. Build trust with your manager

   1. Get sh*t done: Clarify the Why, What, How, and When for tasks

   2. Eat their frog: Find the thing they hate and take it off their plate

   3. Make yourself invaluable: Show off your unique skills

3. Expand your network (authentically)

   1. Find a coffee chat cadence that’s sustainable for you

   2. Build a personal CRM to keep connections warm

   3. Connect personally with people you work with often

   4. Ask for introductions to people you want to meet

   5. Add value for others by sharing resources and insights

#3: Lift others up (don’t drag them down)

People want to work with real team players.

This doesn’t mean taking on other people’s work or hiding your successes.

It means shifting your mindset from competitive to collaborative:

1. Ask for feedback (early and often)

   1. Don’t guess how people perceive you - find out

   2. Bring people along in your thinking processes

2. Mentor others

   1. Support people on your team and in other business areas

   2. Learn coaching skills to empower instead of instruct

3. Lead by example

   1. No back door criticism or gossip

   2. Communicate clear boundaries

   3. Follow through on commitments

These actions will show that you've got the 'soft' skills your company wants in its future leaders.

Want to dive deeper on this topic?

• Article (7 min): Promotions Aren’t Just About Your Skills – They’re About Your Relationships (HBR)

• Video (6 min): “Unspoken rules” for getting promoted

Found this helpful? Want to see a specific topic covered? Reply to this email and let me know how I can best support you!

See you next Thursday,

Alex

P.S. If you want more insights like this, follow me on LinkedIn. I write daily to help you level up your leadership and increase your impact.

P.P.S. If you’re ready to thrive at work again, but need some help getting there, book a free 45 min strategy session with me. You’ll get to experience my 1:1 coaching firsthand to see if it could be a good fit for your goals.