How to show your boss you’re ready for a promotion

Now is the time to get a promotion or pay rise – but there’s one skill that bosses will be looking out for above all others.

This is an exceptional time when it comes to career progression.

Never have we been at a point when you have so much influence over how, when and where you work. There is demand for talent and the predicted ‘great resignation’ might not be far off.

We know that 41 per cent of the global workforce is likely to consider leaving their current employer within the next year, with 46 per cent planning to make a major pivot or career transition.

The freelance economy is in full swing, further corporate restructures are in the pipeline, and leaders who were about to move when Covid-19 hit, and consequently stayed put, have developed itchy feet.

Many people are planning their next job move.

So, if you’re ready to put yourself forward for a promotion in the next 12 months, here are the actions you need to take now:

1. DO A BRAND AUDIT

Check in with HR to find out what people say about you when you’re not in the room. You need to have a good grasp on all the positive attributes you’re known for, as this creates evidence points for success and impact, but you also need to know the ugly, uncomfortable bits that people don’t like about you. Your brand enters the room long before you do and you need to know exactly what that is.

2. BE A MASTER COMMUNICATOR

According to The Future of Jobs Report 2020, the most sought-after skills for 2025 will predominantly be so-called ‘soft’ attributes, like persuasion, negotiation and reasoning. Master communicators will be on peoples’ radar.

The future skill sought in jobs will be persuasion, negotiation and reasoning.

The bottom line is that brand and promotability are often about the experience you create of yourself for others. If you know how to listen, build rapport, connect people to vision and are authentic, then you need to showcase those skills.

3. CRAFT YOUR UNIQUE POSITIONING STATEMENT

Write a one-page document that clearly outlines who you are, what you stand for and what you’re looking for in your next role. It’s a handy tool to have at your disposal, because you never know when (or where) the next great opportunity might arise. Every word needs to earn its place on the page, so allow yourself the time to write it well.

4. KNOW YOUR VALUES AND VALUE

Spend time exploring whether the potential role/organisation aligns with what you value. The people interviewing you are going to ask questions to test this and you want to have authentic examples ready.

Meanwhile, knowing your value in terms of skill and salary is both empowering and part of securing a successful promotion. Partner with a coach, leader or trusted advisor to gain an understanding of where you’re most effective and the impact you can create. Part of negotiating the right salary comes from setting the tone early that you’re the best candidate for the role.

5. LEVERAGE YOUR NETWORK

It’s often said that it’s not what you know but who you know. Don’t underestimate the importance of nurturing your network in this Covid environment. We might not be able to attend fancypants networking events or big conferences, but people who are ambitious and can see opportunities on the horizon are investing in their network.

Working from home doesn’t mean you can’t build connections and network.

6. PLAY BIG

The next 18 months are going to set the tone for the next five years, so make sure your next promotion aligns with what you want this chapter of your life to be. There is a difference between confidence and ridiculous arrogance. Be realistic, thoughtful and strategic about the promotion you go after, but also dial it up by around 10 per cent. Generally speaking, we are capable of learning and doing much more than we think.

7. DON’T LIMIT POSSIBILITIES

All too often, people go for promotions in organisations where they are known. Covid has shown us that we truly can work globally and that transferable skills are highly valued. There are going to be opportunities in industries that are still evolving. Spend time researching online, asking your network for leads and calling headhunters to get a thorough understanding of where movement and growth is happening.

8. SELF-PROMOTE

Yes, you can showcase your talent without looking like an egotistical player. Create evidence points, share your success, have meaningful conversations and tell people about what you’re doing. This is often the step our clients push back on the most. It’s very Australian to come down hard on people who are self-focused and arrogant, too loud or too smart, or don’t share the glory with their team. If you don’t know how to be comfortable telling your own story, then you need to learn – and soon.

The future success of teams and organisations, small and large, will be about human capital. Don’t be distracted by the significant noise around innovation and strategy. The best way to get promoted is to plan for it before you’re ready and, as Covid has taught us, always prepare for change.

Lisa Stephenson, founder of The Coach Place Global, is a coach, keynote speaker and author