You may feel like you’ve been in the same position for a long time, and that it is now time to move up the ladder in your career. But how do you prove to your employer that you are ready for this step?
Waiting for a promotion can be a very stressful and frustrating experience, more so in this period of uncertainty. However, getting promoted from your current position can be done, and professionals offer tips on how to make your employer see that you’re prepared for that position;
Discipline
According to Fraterne Manishimwe, an entrepreneur in Musanze, the connection between work and employees is not the employer, but the requirements for work to be done or accomplished. A promotion is gradual and based on one’s performance; how you respond to work, participate in developing and executing plans, and et cetera. Focus, passion, discipline, and understanding are key, he notes.
Mind-set matters
Manishimwe says that having the right mind-set can make a difference. Decades of research have found that people with a growth mind-set are more mentally primed to approach and take on challenges, exploit feedback, adopt the most effective problem-solving strategies, provide developmental feedback to subordinates, and be persistent in accomplishing goals.
Show pride in your work
Manishimwe says pride shows how confident you are about your work and how well prepared you are for future obstacles and difficulties. Taking ownership can lead to an increase in value for you as an employee and can be seen as an asset to the company. Taking pride and ownership in your own work means thinking back about the various achievements or qualities that you have received during work.
Tackle challenges
James Monari, an entrepreneur and CEO of DM Consulting Law Firm in Kigali, says work promotions are normally on an existing positions basis and come with new challenges. A vital skill to consider is the ability to take on the challenges associated with additional responsibilities and be able to handle them rather than be set back by them.
Be creative
Monari says that employees who are ready for a promotion typically show two specific qualities; high engagement with the company, and a willingness to do more without being asked. Those who are engaged in the company feel connected to its success and will take the position more seriously, as they know how important their position is to the mission of the company.
"If an employee consistently takes on tasks associated with the next level up in their work, chances are they’re ready for a more permanent change, hence, worthy of promotion consideration,” Monari says.
Efficiency and loyalty
Monari says performance appraisals should be put into consideration to determine if someone is ready for a promotion. If the performance appraisal is outstanding, then the person can be considered for a promotion.
Leadership capability
Monari says that natural leadership skill is an aspect that shouldn’t be ignored, this is because while an employee may be a star individual contributor, that doesn’t mean they will excel at management and leadership. That’s an important distinction. The best managers don’t manage – they lead. They achieve results and win by influencing the attitudes, behaviours, and efforts of others. They usually emerge regardless of title, rank, or seniority, and they have a natural intuition for what motivates others.
"When someone grasps these talents to benefit the entire team, it indicates that they are not only ready to take on more responsibilities, but will actually thrive with the added load,” he says.
Don’t over-promise
In the article ‘6 ways to prove you’re ready for a promotion’, it says, "Do what you say you will do. It’s that simple. People who don’t follow through will quickly lose the trust of their team.
"Over-promising and under-delivering is the surest way to annoy your boss, especially if it makes him or her look bad in the process. If you commit to doing something, do it. Managing and exceeding expectations is one of the most effective ways to show you are reliable and productive.”