At this very moment, millions of people are working hard to get promoted work. Many of these same people are what I call bored, burned out, or frustrated because they haven’t been promoted yet.

Often, when someone isn’t promoted, it’s not because they aren’t working hard; it’s because they don’t fully understand what’s required to actually get promoted.

If you’re reading this and raising your hand high in the air because you agree, this read is for you. Below are five key things people can and should, but often overlook that are important to do when you want to be promoted on your job.

1. Do your job very well. We all know people who have been promoted that weren’t the best performers on the team – there are always exceptions. However, if you aren’t performing really well in your current role, how will you ever convince others you’re ready to take on more. Further, poor performance is the easiest reason to give for denying someone a promotion.
2. Take the initiative. Those in leadership positions (okay, well most of them!) don’t get in those positions because they sit back and wait to be told what to do. They’re leaders – they lead! If you want to be thought of and selected to be a leader, you must also take the initiative to get things done. Understand the boundaries and constraints, but be the person others know can act without needing someone to tell them step-by-step what needs to be done.
3. Focus on solutions, not problems. Problems are like death and taxes, they’re guaranteed. All organizations experience problems on a regular basis. However, what separates those who are promoted and those who aren’t is the fact where the focus lies. The person who brings their leaders and peers solutions and not problems is usually the one to get promoted.
4. Know what all of the promotion requirements are. If you think the job description for the role you want is the only place to find the requirements for the job, you’re wrong. There are often unwritten requirements for a position that are just as critical as those which are documented. Before allowing frustration to set in because you’re fulfilling the written requirements, check with others to ensure you know the unwritten requirements too.
5. Be a team player. Everyone has work they are required to do on their own, but are also often required to work with others. Working effectively in groups is a great way to gain exposures which can lead to a promotion. Make sure you are offering to help get the work done, displaying good communication, and have good follow up and follow through. It will go a long way with those you work with.
6. Be professional but also engaging. Your employer expects you to be the best representation of the organization you can be, which means it’s important for you to display professionalism at all times. But, this doesn’t mean you can be friendly or laugh and joke with colleagues. The key is balance. Balance in these two areas will allow you maintain respect while also being warmly received.
7. Find a mentor and sponsor. These aren’t always easy to find, but definitely important for career success. A mentor can help you with your growth and development, while a sponsor can help you obtain raises and promotions.
8. Document your achievements. I’d be willing to be your supervisor isn’t aware of half of the great work you’ve done. By documents your achievements, you can showcase the impact you’ve had effectively during 1:1 meetings and performance review time.
9. Continue to develop professionally. Gaining career advancements often require a keener level of skills and abilities. In order to continue your development, seek out opportunities for new exposures at your job – maybe through shadowing, take advantage of internal or external training, read relevant literature, take a class or pursue a degree, and attend webinars.

Securing a promotion often takes time, money, and effort, but if you remain diligent, you greatly increase your chances for success.

Until next time….