Do you want to get promoted? Not everyone does, but when the desire for promotion is there, it is often very strong. Some people say they want to be promoted but are not prepared for the responsibilities it will bring. They simply have not counted the cost of such a change. Do you feel certain that you can handle not just the joys but also the burdens of taking on a new position? If so, it’s time to think about some practical ways to position yourself for a promotion at work.
How to Position Yourself for a Promotion at Work
There are plenty of ways employees can ready themselves for the promotion of their dreams; here are just a few…
Close skills gaps
What skills will you need if you end up getting the job you want? If you don’t have them, do what you can to get them. Sure, you may learn these skills after you get promoted, but you have a better chance of being promoted in the first place if your skills gaps are few and small.
Exude confidence
Confident employees are attractive to employers. They are usually chosen first for promotions. These individuals have often mastered the art of self-promotion, which is not a bad thing. While it might sound simple or trite, you must believe in yourself before another person can believe in you. If you don’t feel like you have what it takes to be promoted, do whatever needs to be done to get your confidence up. If necessary, have a self-confident person coach you on how to be more poised and bold. Your managers will take note of your confidence and respond favorably to it.
Ask for what you want
Have you ever thought about outright asking for a promotion? Ron Brown, contributor to CBS Money Watch, advised promotion seekers to say something to their managers like, “I’m very excited about my job, but think I can bring even more, and here’s the role that I think would best match my skills and experience.” He went on to advise employees, “Depending on who you’re talking to, you could frame the discussion as a way to get some advice on getting to that next level. If your approach is too nakedly self-serving, you’re obviously going to turn people off, so try to present yourself as simply trying to get a better sense of where you are, and what you need to do to go further.”
Are you willing to ask your manager for a new, better position, and take the steps needed to close your skills gaps and increase your level of confidence? If so, your promotion is inevitable.
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