Who doesn’t want to move up the ladder and advance their career? Getting a promotion is a fantastic recognition of your work performance and how much the company value your contribution. However, getting one is not going to be easy and you have to work your way up constantly. Office politics, your weaknesses or shortcomings at work, as well as your attitude and behavior towards your colleagues play a role too.
Here are some key things you can do to make yourself more promotable at work:
1. Go the extra mile
Have you ever tried to take on new tasks or to ask for new tasks? If you haven’t, maybe it’s time to consider doing so. It’s always a good idea to go beyond completing your own tasks if you’re hoping for a promotion. It’s the most straightforward way of showing that you are eager to do things beyond your job scope; it demonstrates that you can exceed people’s expectations and are keen to get to the next level in your career.
2. Stand out from the crowd
While it is true that all of us are unique and we have our own strengths and weaknesses, it’s still important to stand out from the crowd. Think about what makes you different from your colleagues. Are you an irreplaceable employee with valuable skill set? Having your own competitive edge is crucial to get your boss’s attention and give him or her a reason to give you the promotion.
So how can you be the outstanding one? Start with yourself and your skill sets. If you can’t find anything that sets you apart from your colleagues, consider if there is anything else that you would want to learn apart from what you currently know? If you are not learning unique skills on the job which would help get you promoted, be proactive and start taking courses outside of the workplace.
3. Show empathy
In the corporate world, showing empathy is a plus. It boils down to people’s ability to be kind and empathetic to others, especially during rough and challenging times.
Showing empathy does not equate to babysitting people. It just means treating others with respect regardless of their position and social status. It includes talking to them politely and allowing them to be humans- that means they can commit mistakes, too, just like you. Yes!
4. Put the company first
Don’t only focus on yourself and always remember that the world doesn’t revolve around you. If you’re aiming for the promotion, show that you actually deserve it by putting the company first. You should be able to see the bigger picture by being a good team player and focus on the company’s welfare instead of your own personal benefits.
5. Never be late
This is a must and you might say, a basic aspect of making yourself promotable. Being consistently ready and punctual gives you the ability to shift things in an instant. In other words, make last-minute adjustments. It also shows that you have to priorities straight and good time management. You will not only gain respect from your colleagues, but also trust from your bosses.
6. Don’t be afraid to ask
Your promotion may not be with you unless you ask for it. Some people do not get promoted just because they do not want to immerse themselves in the tedious process. You, however, may be doing everything right but still not getting promoted. If you really think you deserve to be promoted, and can excel at the next level, don’t be afraid to go and ask for it. Sometimes you have to ask for promotion or the company will not give it.
Fighting the good fight is always a good thing to do. You must be able to objectively self-assess your abilities and attitude so that you can pinpoint the areas you can improve on, in order to fight for the promotion you set your eyes on.
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