The Path to Promotion

My parents never said no to my brother and me. They just refused to pay for things we wanted to do. An SAT prep. course, studying abroad, traveling summer camp. "Yes, of course you can do that, all you have to do is find the money." I don't think their intention was to encourage us to become self reliant. I think it was just easier than saying no.

My response: I went to work for the organizations that offered the programs I wanted to do and thus got to participate and get paid for it. And this is the same practice to use when developing your career. If you want something, go get it.

The way to your next job is to be great at your current job, and ask for more. The path to promotion is not to complain about your current job -- how underutilized and over qualified you are and how you've been unfairly passed over for opportunities. That will only get you a reputation as a whiny pain in the......

Do what you're doing well and seemingly happily, and ask for more. More responsibility and more exposure. Not literally of course. Employees who tell their boss they want to manage more employees, lead another department and be more visible are perceived as empire builders. Empire builders are threatening to others and are seen as dangerous. Ask for the things that will provide you with more responsibility and exposure. Accountability and visibility will be the outcome.

Most people think that to enhance their careers they need a new job, a rotation or a promotion. This is just not the case.

Ask to participate in a project that may be outside the scope of your role and may be in another department in the company. For example, if you have an interest in Marketing but work in IT, ask to sit in on the Marketing staff meetings. Ask to work on a project in the Marketing department or to be mentored by someone who works in Marketing. These projects and short term assignments are in addition to your current responsibilities, not in lieu of them.

You may be thinking, "I already work enough hours. I don't want to take on more; I want to do something different." If that's the case, apply for jobs doing what you really want to do. And while you are in pursuit of that new job, become more efficient at your current role so you can take on more without working more hours.

Working 60 - 80 hours a week is not necessary to get ahead. Producing great work efficiently is what's required to get ahead. Managers only track employees' hours when work isn't getting done well.

It can be challenging for employees to make a big career change within their organization. Organizational leaders have only seen you in your current role and may think it's all you know and can do. 'Volunteering' in other departments and on projects outside the scope of your regular job allows you to build relationships you otherwise would not, develop new skills and demonstrate existing expertise. It also positions you as a versatile, engaged employee who not only talks about wanting more, but goes out and gets it.