Climbing the Corporate ladder in the workplace needs hard work and intelligence to be able to scale better career growth. The corporate ladder can be a big fall if skill and ability are put in order.

 

Ever wondered how everyone around you keeps getting promoted, but you kept left behind? Well, you don’t have to wonder any more. The good news is, the whole process is not as mysterious as it looks from the outside. It just takes some time and commitment. Before mounting the rungs of the corporate ladder, you should learn how to get a promotion.

The first and foremost thing is, promotions are not a given. Very often, we expect that if we work for a company for a certain amount of time, we will get promoted. Or, we believe our intelligence or speed will always equal a promotion. Assuming you should get promoted is a quick way to hold yourself back.

It’s important to realise that you must create and manage your own career path — through one or multiple organisations. And remember that a promotion isn’t always an upward path. Sometimes, you need to make a lateral move to position yourself for a next upward move.

How do you develop your promotion plan? We have compiled eight strategies that are the keys to how to get a promotion.

Eight key strategies on how to climb the corporate ladder

1. Develop Mentoring Relationships

Have a mentoring relationship with the c-level employees in the company. It helps spread the good word about you.

Some firms have formal mentoring programs. But even if your firm does not, there are still many ways you can build relationships with people in higher positions. Mentors are also excellent sources for information and career guidance.

2. Quantify Results

Promotions aren’t necessarily based on your past performance. But you can certainly make a much better case for a promotion by showing detailed information about your past successes. Those who get results get ahead.

Make a record of everything you do that puts the firm or your department in a good light. Remind your employer of the things you do that are creative and innovative. Point out acts that highlight your dedication and loyalty to the organisation.

3. Establish a Bonding with Your Boss

Your boss can be one of the best advocates for your promotion. He can either promote you to the next position or can hold you from any movement within the firm. Use all possibilities to make your boss a key supporter of your promotion. Seek counsel from him and stress your interest in staying with the firm.

Rather than using performance appraisals just to go over your achievements, talk with your boss. Discuss potential roadblocks to the promotion and how to overcome those roadblocks.

4. Acquire New Knowledge and Skills

The best ways to win promotion is to expand your skills and knowledge sets in areas that are critical to the company. As technology and other environmental forces change fast, you need an ever-increasing skill set to perform your job and stay marketable.

5. Build Your Network

Let more people who know you, your strengths, abilities, your ambitions, and your value to the organization. Then, the more likely your name will get discussed when opportunities arise.

A bonus of networking is that you will learn a lot more about the company if you connect with people in other areas of the firm. Plus, if the promotion you are seeking to get denied, networking will help you find a new job at another firm down the road. It’s a win-win.

6. Ask for More Responsibilities

Volunteer to help different departments or teams or simply ask for more responsibilities. It increases your value within the company. Asking for more work points your interest and desire to help your department and firm to succeed. It also benefits put a spotlight on your value to the organization.

7. Be a Team Player

Nowadays, most of the works get accomplished through teams. It becomes even more critical to share successes with your teammates and to avoid pointing out your finger when there are failures. By being a team player, you can not only build your reputation but increase your value to the organization.

8. Create Your Own Opportunities

Study the needs and challenges of the organization. If you see any area that has been neglected, and you have the critical skills required in that area, you can write a proposal for a new post. No matter whether the company go for the new position or not, you have again proved your initiative, creativity, and worth to the firm. These things can help you the next time you request a promotion.

Finally, don’t threaten to leave your firm if your boss doesn’t promote you. It is a huge mistake young employees often make. They are so invaluable that they start making silly demands. Before long, they find themselves not only without promotion but possibly, without a job at all.