Me: “Have you ever asked for a promotion?”
Client: “Yes! Last year in my annual review!”
Me: “And?”
Client: “And nothing’s happened!!”
Me: “No, what I meant by ‘and…’ is, how consistently have you repeated your request?”
Client: “What do you mean?”
This discouraging conversation is a repeat offender.
It’s discouraging to watch talented, hard working professionals not get the advancement they want because they think that being recognized will take care of itself.
The truth is, and I repeat this often, that promotions are like political campaigns.
Let’s take a look:
- Polling: Know (and if you don’t know, find out) the challenges your team or organization are facing. Organizations don’t generally hand out promotions because of years of service; they offer promotions to people who are willing to say, “This is what I’m good at, and this is what I can do for you in an expanded role.”
- The stump speech: Politicians say the same things again and again. Once you know what you’re good at and what you could do in an expanded role, repeat it often. Take time to connect everyday wins, yours or your team’s, to that overarching message. Let your boss and others know. And, if there are any messages about you out there that are not positive, root them out and address them.
- Know the different constituents you serve: Politicians are very strategic about catering to different demographic groups in specific locations. Maybe the creative group likes you, but the finance team isn’t convinced. What do you need to do to win them over?
- Know the players who will make the decision: Maybe your peers like you just fine and you have a good reputation. But maybe there’s an SVP who likes a different candidate for the job. You’ll either have to win them over, or gain enough support to override them.
- Make sure people know you: Harris and Walz are working to make sure people know them. Remember that people want to work with people they like, and that’s easier when they see you as a real person.
- Make sure the machine is in place: Sometimes companies want to make a change, but they don’t provide enough resources to do it well. It’s not something a lot of people think about when faced with an exciting new opportunity.
- Make sure the organization is staffing properly, investing in systems, and gaining the support of senior leadership.
- Dress the part!: Sounds obvious but bears repeating. Walz did not dress like a coach or teacher at the DNC; Harris made a statement by wearing beige instead of white. Appearance shows that you know what it takes to operate at a higher level.
- The joy message! Taking your work seriously is super important. Still, too much seriousness can signal anxiety. Feeling enough ease that you smile often does project confidence.
Separating a promotion campaign from your work product is important; a lack of advancement can leave you feeling like you aren’t that good or talented.
Remember that moving ahead can require a separate initiative from your work product, experience or talent.