You have successfully completed your tasks and achieved your goals, but the promotion you aspire to goes to someone else; why?!
Because strong performance alone is no longer enough...
In the corporate world, promotions are not only given to those who efficiently execute tasks, but to those who demonstrate a leadership mentality and readiness for the next level of responsibility, according to a report published by Forbes magazine.
Research indicates that possessing technical skills helps in getting a job, but personal skills such as curiosity, critical thinking, and initiative are what open the doors to promotion.
Employees who ask the right questions; challenge assumptions, and proactively seek knowledge are seen as potential leaders more than those whose role is limited to executing daily tasks.
Leaders are not just looking for people who excel in their current role;
but for those who show readiness for the next stage even before they reach it.
* What makes an employee eligible for promotion?
Before making a promotion decision, leaders evaluate a set of traits that indicate leadership potential, including:
1 _ Problem-solving: Do you offer innovative solutions or just point out problems?
2 _ Initiative: Do you take proactive steps before being asked?
3 _ Critical thinking: Do you understand how your work impacts the company's goals?
4 _ Flexibility: Do you adapt quickly to new challenges?
5 _ Collaboration: Do you communicate effectively with other teams?
* How to demonstrate your leadership potential?
Showing curiosity is one of the key factors for promotion, and you can achieve that by:
_ Asking smart questions:
Don't settle for knowing "what do we do?" but ask "why do we do that?" and "is there a better way to achieve this goal?"
_ Requesting feedback on your performance:
Ask your manager about your strengths and improvement opportunities, and apply the advice practically.
_ Expanding your responsibilities:
Don't just stick to your current tasks, but look for ways to improve processes and participate in projects beyond your responsibilities.
_ Engaging in prominent projects:
Participate in joint work teams or present new ideas that attract leaders' attention.
_ Thinking like an entrepreneur:
Understand how your work affects the big picture, and ask yourself: "How can I improve the company's financial performance?" or "What trends may impact my field of work?"
* What if you do all that and still don't get promoted?
If you are not promoted despite all your efforts, you may need to reassess your situation:
_ Does your company provide real growth opportunities?:
Some institutions limit promotions, so seeking other opportunities may be the solution.
_ Have you clearly communicated your ambitions to your manager?:
Do not assume that your work will speak for itself alone, make sure your goals are known.
_ Are you constantly proving leadership skills?:
Leaders do not notice just one success, but look for consistency in performance.
* In the end: Do you act as a leader before becoming one?
Promotion is not just a reward for hard work; it is recognition of your ability to think as a leader before officially holding the title. So, ask yourself:
Are you solely focused on performing your current role, or are you already acting as if you are in the position you aspire to?