How to ask for a promotion
The #1 reason people reach out for leadership coaching? To get promoted.
I love to coach around this topic because the goal is clear, and the motivation is high!
If you crossed all the boxes to get that promotion you've been waiting for a while, you're probably frustrated, and might think, "why do I have to keep justifying why I need a promotion? shouldn't my boss see my talent and contribution?"
Here are some common pitfalls I want you to pay attention to:
1. Fall into victim mode and don't ask.
You feel bad and avoid putting yourself in the hands of your manager and you might be judged not worthy. You think you should just look for another job.
2. Giving up after early attempts.
You might worry that you’ve bugged your boss already too much, and decide that you're not asking again and feel resigned altogether.
3. Be overly persuasive with no plan.
Out of desperation, you might feel compelled to bring up your promotion request to your boss every time you meet. After all, you've been waiting for a while, and your patience is running out.
4. Give an ultimatum.
Without appropriate context, your manager could see this as an attempt to manipulate your way into a promotion. They likely won’t appreciate it.
Here is the thing. Just because you do a great job it doesn't mean that you don't need to make case and promote yourself. You do.
Think of the promotion asking process like you're building a runway. It's a process. And it starts with doing the pre-work and research!
Here is what I recommend:
1. Soothe your emotions with compassion. Asking for a promotion feels vulnerable, and it can be a risk. No wonder you feel worried or frustrated. May you hold yourself with grace and patience in this process.
2. Think about your long term goals and get clear WHY you want the promotion. Do you want more power to impact? More managerial responsibility? Or do you want to help co-create a new role?
3. Build a strong case, prove that you’re already working at the level you’re asking to be promoted to: have bullet points showing the impact you’ve had, solutions you’ve delivered. Connect the dots between your impact and the org's goals.
4. Do your research, uncover effective strategies. How did others successfully make a case for promotion? Ask your colleagues in confidence how they see your promotion readiness. It’s not just the impact that matters, you also have to be seen as a leader who others trust and respect.
5. Approach your boss with confidence that you are ready to grow and be promoted. Your work ethic, and knowledge of your organization are valuable assets, and when you have success, so does your company.
EXTRA POINTS if you think about who should your successor be and champion that colleague your boss.
#getmotivated #getpromoted #leadershipdevelopment #leadershipcoaching #careerdevelopment
