7 Reasons Why You’re Not Getting Promoted
It’s super frustrating when you think you’re ready to get promoted but it’s just not happening. In times like this, it’s best to reassess your situation and figure out what’s missing. Here are 7 reasons why you might not be getting promoted!
1. You’re meeting your goals but aren’t doing anything more than that
This is the biggest mistake you can make while trying to get promoted! You need to show initiative, passion, and interest in your career!
The easiest way to fix this is to work on projects. Find additional things to do besides your day to day activities. Yes, this means putting in more effort into your work! Getting more involved will show your dedication and effort.
An additional (but harder) way to go above and beyond is to find gaps in existing processes and create solutions. This will show that you’re analytical in being able to find problems where others aren’t but you’re also proactive in going out of your way to fix issues before other people catch them.
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2. You’re not doing enough higher-level work to get promoted
While you can be doing an excellent job at your current job, managers like to see that you’re capable of doing more. What you need to do is show them that you can take on the next level!
Shadow others on your team that are more senior than you and see what they do on a day to day basis. What additional responsibilities do they take on? How is their scope larger than yours?
Your job is to learn and conquer those additional tasks. This will not only show that you’re capable, but it will also demonstrate your initiative and passion towards making the next step in your career.
3. You’re not aligned with your manager
If your goals aren’t the same as what your manager has in mind for your growth and performance, no matter how well you do, you probably won’t be recognized for your work!
The easiest way to fix this problem is to set up reoccurring touch bases with your manager. You can set up the cadence that makes sense for you. While you’ll have some informal touch bases about day to day activities, make sure that atleast once a quarter, go over your goals and progress.
Your manager is probably the person directly in charge of pushing for you when it comes to a promotion, so you want to make sure you’re on the same page of what you need to be doing and how you can get to the next level.
4. You don’t ask for critical feedback
Asking for feedback can be daunting….no one really wants to hear what they’re not doing well at. However, you’ll be able to learn from your mistakes, refocus on your targets, and get a clearer idea of what’s expected of you!
Always ask what you can be doing better, or how you can do more. Hearing the honest truth can only help you, as you’ll have ways to improve and get better for next time! And when the next meeting comes up, you can demonstrate what you’ve done to make strides in your work, which will really impress your manager!
5. You haven’t voiced that you want to be promoted
The only person that can know exactly what you’re thinking is you! Some people enjoy spending 3 years in one position, while others like to conquer each as quickly as possible. Regardless of what you prefer, make sure your manager knows! Communicating your goals and expectations with your manager is the only way they will be able to guide you.
6. You’re not ready to get promoted
Reality is, sometimes we’re just not ready to be promoted…but that’s not a reason to give up! Focus your energy on learning new skills, growing your knowledge base, developing yourself professionally, and challenging yourself in new projects and work. Keep a journal of your accomplishments as you hit milestones and successfully complete tasks, and you’ll get there in no time!
7. Your attitude sucks
Let’s be honest…..no one wants to work with a debbie downer. Most of us have experienced working alongside someone that you really just can’t stand to be around because of their negative energy. Being negative at the workplace isn’t going to help you or anyone else! Find ways to rethink your perspective and reset yourself. This could be the biggest move for your personal growth that you make and can really pay off!
Make sure that when you’re at the workplace, you’re focused, generally positive, and ready to work. This will make you seem much more approachable with others.
Although this doesn’t seem like a valid reason not to get promoted, people can’t help their unconscious feelings. If you’re rude and snobby, managers will probably choose to vouch for their more polite direct reports over you…whether you know it or not!
Is there another reason why you think you’re not getting promoted? Comment below!
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