7 Things It Takes to Get Promoted

So, you say you want to get promoted? Maybe even become the top dog one day?

If so, here’s some encouraging news: The line may not be as long as you’d think.

Only about one in three employees have their hearts set on becoming a manager, according to research from Visier. A smaller portion has no interest whatsoever in managing other people.

So there really is not a ton of competition to get promoted to management

Different Meanings of ‘Get Promoted’

But here’s the thing: Many professionals nowadays — especially millennials — don’t see being “promoted to manager” and “professional advancement” as the same thing.

In fact, many like the idea of being knowledge experts, rather than being in charge of other people. They’d rather manage their own work, time and career than worry about all that for others.

Now, if you’re still among those who want to get promoted and take a step into management, here are seven things that will get you noticed by your own boss:

1. Take Ownership

If you think like the founder of an idea, project or concern — and if you continue to act and work like the founder — people in leadership will take notice.

2. Support Your Colleagues

Speak well of others, and be there when they need you, or at least when they ask.

Givers separate themselves from the pack by doing good without any expectations for getting paid back.

3. Measure and Report

It’s great to cross things off your to-do list. But more importantly, measure and report on what those activities accomplished.

4. Be Proactive

Ask, and anticipate, the “what ifs.” For instance:

• What if the order is late?
• What if the vendor says no?
• What if we need more than we have now?
• What if we run out of time?

5. Do More with Less

You can’t count on having enough resources to do your job. You run into that every day. But you can’t use that as an excuse.

Excuses won’t pave your path to career advancement. Working around that problem and finding solutions that do work will make you stand out. You’ll be considered an innovator.

6. Welcome Feedback

All feedback is not created equal. While getting some honest feedback from a co-worker who knows little about your project may help you to identify weak spots, it’s important that you focus on the feedback coming from those whom you report to.

In other words, give attention where attention is due most.

7. Smile

Believe in it. Do it. Success can be tied to your ability to stay positive, even when completing overwhelming tasks.

… And What To Do When You Get There

Those are seven proven ways to help set yourself on the path to management.

Which leads to the next obvious question: What do you do when you are finally promoted?

You’ve probably heard over and again NOT to do the things you used to do.

That’s very good advice. It is now your job to help others do their jobs better.

Here are the five essential management tasks that can help you do that.

1. Set Objectives

The manager sets goals for the group, and then he or she must decide what work needs to be done to meet those goals.

2. Organize

The manager divides the work into manageable activities and selects people to accomplish the tasks that need to be done.

3. Communicate and Motivate

The manager creates a team out of his people, through decisions on pay, placement, promotion, and through his communications with the team. Management guru Peter Drucker referred to this as the “integrating” function of the manager.

4. Measure

The manager establishes appropriate targets and yardsticks, and analyzes, appraises and interprets performance.

5. Develop People

With the rise of the knowledge worker, this task has taken on added importance. In a knowledge economy, people are the company’s most important asset. It is up to the manager to develop that asset.

While various experts may use different words and focus on different aspects of these responsibilities, Drucker’s basic description of the manager’s job still holds value today.