How to Get a Promotion- without asking?

Notwithstanding all that is being said about a Job not being about Money alone, the bald fact of life is that money does matter. It pays the bills, gives us the freedom to live the lifestyle we yearn for, adds to our own wellbeing and that of our family and even defines our social status. Best of all, you can give away as much as you want.

Everyone aspires for career development and covets a Promotion, but nobody likes to ask for one. Advocating for oneself is always harder and more awkward than advocating for others. The secret is that, if we let our actions speak for themselves, you may not need … to ASK.

This article talks about how our actions and behaviours, can be a lead magnet to attract that much-coveted promotion. The problem is only a few are ready to do what it takes, intentionally and consistently.

Below are some time-tested tips:

1. Exhibit a strong, positive can-do attitude. The energy and enthusiasm we bring to work each day is our great contribution to the workplace environment,

2. Walk the extra mile, and exceed expectations. Consistently do more than what the Job Description demands. Rather than passively doing one’s work, and waiting to be recognised and rewarded, jump in and tackle what needs to be done.

Have a passion to excel, to accomplish goals highly effectively, while overcoming all obstacles on the path. Pave the way to success, where others fail. Have a vision for your future and be in it for the long term.

3. Be an influencer and demonstrate Leadership in whatever role you are placed. Be a forward thinker and plant seeds for the future in whatever one does,

4. Use your strengths to challenge the status quo. Innovate, Create, Problem Solve. Look for different ways to get a job done. Volunteer for difficult and more complex projects,

I remember hearing a story of a sales representative, who met all his targets and completed all reports in a timely manner. He noticed that the group’s customer base was disorganised and needed upgradation. The Administrator was busy working on other things. He requested to work on the upgrades. The changes were made and he generously shared credit with the Administrator. Six months later, he got a promotion ‘out of the blue’.

5. Be hungry for growth, not status. Make continuous learning and development a priority. Choose something that needs improving, not something which you are good at. Take ownership of your career. You are the CEO of your own career – embrace it.

6. Leverage your inter-personal skills to build meaningful and ‘ collaborative relationships. Be a good team player, support and encourage your colleagues. Every team has one person who is the glue of the team. Be that person!

6. Seek to Give rather than take, to serve rather be served. Adam Grant’s highly-researched book ‘Give and Take’ makes a strong case that Givers become Winners, rising ahead of Takers and even Matchers.

Undoubtedly, there are other factors at play – the flip side of the story.

But nothing beats the above sure-fire formula to win that much-coveted prize – your next Promotion.

Don’t ask for your next Promotion. Let it be a pleasant surprise!