Here’s How I’d Snag That Promotion I’ve Always Wanted Without Trying Too Hard
… in the next 12 months
Everyone wants that promotion.
The primary reason, I guess, is it feels psychologically rewarding. We have a better title, (slightly) bigger paycheck, and quite possibly, a room to ourselves.
However, not everyone is going to work hard for it, despite wanting it. Odd, but true.
The reason? It appears beyond reach.
This, to me, is the core issue.
There is a difference between trying hard and trying too hard. And it begets the following question.
Where is the line separating trying hard & trying too hard when it comes to getting that promotion we want?
How It Feels When We Are ‘Trying Too Hard’ to Get Our Promotion
Imagine this.
You are at your desk working on your online article draft. A sudden urge for sugar hits you.
You see that lollipop in front of you, just an arm’s length away. You stretch a little, and you grab it.
Now imagine this.
The same sugar urge attacked you. The lollipop is in front of you. You want to grab it.
Only this time, it is on your television screen, and you must commute to your neighborhood store to buy it.
Both situations are manageable. You can get your candy.
The difference is in time, effort, energy, and potential loss of momentum.
Trying too hard to get that promotion we want is like commuting to get that lollipop. It is doable, but it comes with a price.
Contextually, this can mean,
- Having to run projects and complete them on time when you have 0 experience
- Managing a 10-person headcount team when you have always been a solo contributor
- Attempting to close 6-digit consulting deals when you have 0 sales or consulting experience
If that promotion requires you to stretch yourself beyond unbelievable limits within the next 12 months — Give it a pass.
You will burn out before getting what you want.
And burnout can derail you from your ambitions and aspirations.
Now That We Have Gotten ‘Trying Too Hard’ Out of the Way, Let’s Focus on What We Can Do
The key idea here is an arm’s length.
If the lollipop is within arm’s length, you can grab it without effort.
How does the concept of an arm’s length manifest itself in the workplace? It may look like this.
- You have been a project coordinator for the past 2 years. You understand how projects are run differently from daily operations.
- And a large-scale, regional software project deployment is planned for within the next 3 months. You know you are capable of running it.
Or.
- You have been managing a consulting services delivery team of 5 analysts. Your manager asked if you are interested to lead a cross-cultural team of 8 based in Tokyo.
Or.
- You just closed a 5-digit contract renewal for an existing diamond client as a sales junior.
- You are confident of hitting your sales target by September, giving you a 3-month runway to exceed expectations before the fiscal year ends.
You can score that promotion you have always wanted if it is within arm’s length.
Drilling down further, what you must do from now until then…
- Must be achievable (you can smell success)
- Must be manageable (you have the skills to execute them)
- Must be sustainable (you can push without crashing psychologically)
If you are still on board — I offer you 3 tips to apply for the next 12 months to snag that promotion within your grasp.
Tip Number 1: Take Work Away from Your Boss
Many people think bosses do nothing except pester others to get work done. That is untrue.
They have a lot on their plate. And they are accountable for the entire team’s success.
This is how you can get your boss to recognize you are ready for the next level.
- Do what he (or she) is doing
- Forget your KPIs. Focus on achieving his (or her) KPIs
- Behave as if you are ready to take over his (or her) position
I know that the final point sounds weird. Let me explain.
Your ambitious boss may be working for his (or her) promotion. Having you absorb some of their work frees out time for them to snag that position.
They will return in kind.
It has always been the case for me.
I help my boss. My boss returns the favor.
Tip Number 2: Be Present in Meetings
I don’t mean physically attending all meetings. That is a perfect recipe for daily burnout.
Instead, be mentally and physically present in all meetings you accept.
Go in and be ready to participate. Let others know you have skin in the game. Given time, people will start seeing you as the next-stage leader.
Tip Number 3: Let Your Clients Promote You
This is the most effective, practical tip.
It also requires a little bit more effort. And a mindset change. This is what it looks like.
Solve your client’s problems with them, not for them.
Uproot yourself from your cubicle. Go to their office. Work with them to resolve issues.
You build genuine relationships by being beside them.
Months later, clients calling in for service support will no longer be asking for pure-play assistance. They will be asking for you.
And they will want you to be where they are.
Your senior management will take note.
Parting Keynotes
Working for a promotion tortures our minds and saps our souls.
Sure. More money, power, and prestige help. No one wants to remain a junior forever.
On the other hand… we are worried about the sacrifice we must make.
Therefore, we must evaluate whether that promotion is within arm’s length. I will do the following for the next 12 months if it is.
- Take work away from my boss
- Be present in meetings
- Let my clients promote me
Above all, we must stay mentally healthy regardless of pursuits.
That is me.
What about you?
What would you do to snag that promotion in the next 12 months?
As a content contributor, I write my observations from daily life and my business exposure. Because our life experience is the bedrock of our unique perspectives.
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