On the path to success: 7 tips to getting a promotion at work

On the path to success, one has to ‘work’ it like a boss. Start to think, act, and communicate like a boss to get the promotion you ultimately want.

How do you convince your boss that you are worth the extra investment? Here are seven tips to help maximize your career and getting that promotion at work;

Excel in your present role– No matter how big your ambitions, you still have to deliver results today to be considered for future opportunities. Focus on the present as much as the future such that no one can question your performance. It is in your best interest to take advantage of every opportunity that has the potential to make you better at what you do.

Help your boss succeed – You have to execute on your boss’s priorities too, and if you can make your boss look good, you will look good. Find out what keeps your boss up at night and proffer solutions to those challenges. Learn to solve those problems without even being asked to.

Seize leadership opportunities – Look for every opportunity, no matter how small, to demonstrate leadership to signal you have potentials. This will give others a taste of what you will be like when given a greater responsibility.

Find role models – Learn from the successes and failures of others. Find individuals who have the roles you want and learn from them. Identify behaviors you can emulate and be true to yourself. Do not also forget to look at those who are stuck in their career as a lesson of what not to do.

Build relationships – Your network game has got to be strong. You need to build supporters within and across the organization with people who are aware of the work you are doing. Treat every situation as an opportunity to demonstrate the value you bring to the company and your knowledge of the business. Always be prepared to answer the question, “What are you up to?”

Think like the owner– One sure way for a team member to earn a promotion is to think like an owner. Be that person who is able to anticipate a situation several steps ahead, someone who cares deeply about their colleagues and customers. If you are someone who demonstrates these behaviors regularly, your company is likely to recognize and reward you.

Hone your skills– Begin to focus on the soft skills you need to be a successful leader. When you are aware of your strengths, you can begin to truly harness and develop them. Things like showing empathy, having a strong presence, expressing gratitude, communicating effectively, and managing stress are all critical skills to develop which is absolutely a way to a promotion path.a