You Know You Will Never Be Promoted When...

Gillian, one of the individuals I mentor, recently asked me about ‘getting promoted’.

She asked ‘What is the quickest and easiest way to get promoted?’

As an employee, we all want that promotion, don’t we?

Isn’t it our ultimate goal to rise above the ranks and be somebody in the office? Great pay and great respect.

In order to answer Gillian, I changed the question around: “What is the quickest and easiest way NOT to get promoted?”

Many hindrances will hamper your chances to get that promotion you've always wanted.

You know you will never be promoted when…

1. You aren't an efficient worker.

That means that at the end of the day, you aren't able to finish all the tasks you were supposed to finish. You are easily distracted or spending too much time gossiping or on email or…

2. You are never punctual.

Tardiness is an indication that you aren't sufficiently devoted to your work. Much worse, NOT providing what you have promised will also affect your chances of promotion.

3. You aren't getting along with the work colleagues that matter.

It isn't important that you make friends with everyone, but it is imperative that you be civil to everyone in the office. You must establish a healthy working relationship with all.

More importantly, you must have a good relationship with those who have a say in your promotion.

4. You complain a lot.

When you are complaining about everything, you are giving them more reasons not to promote you. It isn't bad to complain. However, be sure your complaints are valid and you aren't just sour-graping.

5. You are critical about the management.

Bosses tend to get even. If you are openly critical about the management, chances are that the company will take that up against you. Just control your desire to throw too much criticism about anything.

6. You are at odds with your boss.

There might be other personal reasons why you aren't getting along with your superiors. The sad fact is that whether you like it or not, that kind of relationship with your boss could affect promotions for you. Face that fact that even if you and your boss are professionals, personal factors could still get in your way.

So here are 6 hindrances that will hamper your chances to get that promotion you've always wanted.

I asked, “Gillian, which one do you think is hampering you, in you aim for promotion?

“Number 6. My boss. I never know what he wants”

I shared a story with Gillian:

I once worked for a boss who had a reputation for being 'hard, demanding, fearful and unapproachable'.
The first time we met, I asked him:
• What do you expect from me?
• What do you love?
• What do you hate?
• What are your interests/hobbies?

In reply, my boss said:
• He wanted me to deliver the planned projects as agreed (i.e. budget/time/benefits)
• He wanted me to keep him informed of progress - the truth - exactly how it isn • He loved projects to be jointly agreed and metn • He hated surprises. If the project dates were going to be missed, he wanted me to let him know as soon as I knew and especially not at the progress meeting in front of other staffn • He liked watching football and participated in marathons
This Manager turned out to be the best Manager I have ever had the privilege of working for. He and I built a rapport straight away. We were open, honest and worked really well together. If things were not going well, we would sit down and work things out.
His reputation and my perception of him were just totally wrong.

Four simple questions ensured rapport was built and I knew exactly how to manage my boss.
Give it a try - it's simple but powerful.n n