Whether you are climbing the corporate ladder or working in a small business it is important to have a path of progression in mind. Sadly it takes a bit more than your academic credentials, your job skills and your performance to help you attain the executive level but first and foremost you need to have a plan and the right mindset. In order to help you focus on what you want I have listed some key steps to help you gain that promotion.
There is no future in any job. The future lies in the man who holds the job. - George Crane
The Plan
• Plan ahead
• Think about what promotions are best for you
• Master your current position
• Utilise your strengths and know your weaknesses
• Create an exceptional profile and appraisal / application (if you are looking for a new position elsewhere)
Lose the Fear
We all remember the saying nothing ventured, nothing gained. Remember it is only a job. If you always do your best - your best will be enough. Lose the fear and do it anyway. Make sure there are no reasons possible why you will not be promoted, for example;
• You lack the skills necessary for the position
• You lack professionalism
• You don't take initiative
• You don't take feedback
• You think like an employee and not a manager
• Change your mindset and see yourself in the new role and allow yourself to think how you would manage it differently
Present Positive Vibes
• Have a good relationship with everyone - you may not like everyone you work with
• Develop a positive attitude and outlook
• Be polite and courteous at all times
• Don't gossip
• Be a team player
• Trust and respect your colleagues
• Be guided by your intuition
• Show off your personality but keep your personal life to a minimum
Many people have the ambition to succeed; they may even have special aptitude for their job. And yet they do not move ahead. Why? Perhaps they think that since they can master the job, there is no need to master themselves. - John Stevenson
Shine like a leader
• Think like a leader not a manager
• Inspire and motivate others
• Show and share your passion and belief
• Think team-building even if it is only for a drink after work
• Face change head on and look at ways to adapt
• Give recognition to the team when it is due
• Treat the team like your family
Learn new skills
• Groom a successor - share your knowledge and skills and teach others how to do it well
• Get a mentor or coach
• Ask for advice and put a strategy in place
• Decide what new skills you need
• Identity trends for new roles
• Learn steps to network productively
• Understand your business from the top down - what is the company vision?
Look and feel the part
• Ensure you are well groomed
• Ensure you are well dressed
• Ladies accessorise well
• Think of it this way - how would you feel if your bank manager was in a pair of jeans and a tee-shirt. Remember it is important to look the part and be respectably dressed for your position in your company
• Allow yourself to feel the confidence of that next role without the arrogance - bosses like people who see challenges as opportunities
Finally, maintain your integrity, your confidence and your efforts and you will get promoted.