ARE YOU WAITING IN LINE FOR THE NEXT PROMOTION?

Today, while I was on a panel discussion at an HR conference in Mumbai, one of the senior managers asked me a question. The question was, ‘ Payal, since two years, I have been in line for my next promotion, but there seems to be no movement. What can I do to get ahead in the line?’

My answer to him was simple, “Why are you in the line? You can’t stand out while standing in line.”

Being in line for the promotion simply means it’s only a likelihood of making the next move. It’s not a sure shot. It may or may not happen.

The wait may seem forever when waiting in line for a promotion or salary increase. If you don’t get that promotion, then you’ve got to wait for another review cycle of a year. If you do get that promotion, then, too, you are now part of another line to move ahead, which will take its own time.

When you are part of a queue of people, you tend to blend in and not draw attention to yourself. Everyone is expected to maintain the same behaviour while waiting their turn. So it’s impossible to “stand out” when everyone is supposed to be doing the same thing.

In fact, I’ve coached many executives who come to me with more than 20 years of work experience but are stuck in their career growth. Each promotion cycle has taken so long that in 20 years, they have reached only the mid-level.

When coaching executives, I emphasize this: You have to actively pursue advancement by taking charge of your career and demonstrating your capabilities rather than waiting in line.

Here’s how you can take charge and speed up your career growth.   

1. Differentiate yourself: To effectively stand out for a promotion, demonstrate exceptional performance, develop valuable skills, build strong relationships, and communicate your value to your superiors. Focus on exceeding expectations, showing initiative, and actively seeking growth opportunities.
2. Be a problem solver, not just a problem finder: One of the best ways to stand out, regardless of your current role, is to demonstrate solid judgment. Doing so will set you apart as a critical asset to your team. When you raise an issue with your boss, propose a solution. So always walk to your boss not just with problems, but with solutions.
3. Don’t Rely Solely on Work Performance: Most people assume promotions are about experience and performance. But if that were the case, the hardest-working employees would always rise first. Leaders don’t just promote the most capable or skilled person. They promote the person who shows they’re ready for the next level.
4. Build connections: Research shows that while technical skills get you hired, relationship building skills get you promoted. Employees who ask better questions, challenge assumptions, and proactively seek knowledge are seen as higher-potential leaders than those who simply execute tasks well.
5. Begin to play the next role: Leaders aren’t just looking for someone who can handle their current role. They’re looking for someone who can think like a leader and take responsibilities before they have the title. A high performer who follows instructions and meets expectations may be great at their job but still get passed over for a promotion. Meanwhile, someone who is thinking beyond their current responsibilities will move up the ladder faster.
6. Be highly visible: Stellar team members get overlooked for opportunities mainly because of lack of visibility. You must be visible at all levels in your organization
7. Show your value: Regardless of your title,it’s still important to show how your work positively impacts the bottom line. There are ways to quantify many of your contributions. Once you understand how to create more value, do so. Put in the extra work and make sure you are seen as responsible for it by those who can help you get a raise
8. Use your 1:1 time wisely with your manager. Many of us forget that your time with your boss is not just for discussing work and projects. It’s a time to productively talk about you, your growth, your dreams, and your goals. Don’t wait for some perfect, auspicious time to discuss you.

As Gandhi rightly said, It’s easy to stand in the crowd, but it takes courage to stand alone.” The bottom line is that your promotion or raise comes from your effort. You just need to ensure that your effort is directed toward the metrics that will result in the raise or promotion. It’s that extra effort over a long period of time that demonstrates that you do add more value or can handle additional responsibilities that will earn you the reward. Don’t simply wish to get the raise or promotion; make the plan and put in the work.

Written by Payal Nanjiani.
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