Promote Me to Leadership

Are you eager to take on a leadership position in your organization? My role as a leadership coach allows me to meet and work with a wide variety of leaders. I’ve noticed that no matter the job or industry, the same basic criteria are used to evaluate employees for potential promotion. The leaders I work with achieved their position through a combination of demonstrating their skills, building strong relationships, and strategically positioning themselves within their organization. If you want to get promoted into a leadership role, develop the following practices:

1. Excel in Your Current Role:
   • Consistently deliver high-quality work.
   • Meet or exceed performance expectations including timing, value and impact.
   • Take initiative. Go above and beyond your job description. Add value!
2. Develop Leadership Skills:
   • Cultivate skills such as communication, creative problem-solving, decision-making, and emotional intelligence.
   • Seek opportunities to lead projects or teams, even in an informal capacity.
   • Learn to manage conflicts and facilitate collaboration.
   • Actively grow and develop others. Become a coach!
3. Seek Feedback and Self-Reflect:
   • Regularly ask for feedback from your supervisors and peers, and transform that feedback into purposeful action.
   • Reflect on your strengths and areas for improvement.
   • Show a willingness to learn and grow.
4. Build Strong Relationships:
   • Network within your organization and build relationships with colleagues in all areas and at all levels.
   • Find a mentor who can provide guidance and support your career growth.
   • Develop a good rapport with your superiors and understand their expectations.
5. Communicate Your Ambitions:
   • Let your supervisors know that you are interested in moving into a leadership role. Do this in a way that shows aspiration, not expectation or entitlement.
   • Ask for opportunities that will help you develop relevant skills and experience.
   • Be clear about your career goals and seek advice on how to achieve them.
6. Develop a Broader Understanding of the Organization:
   • Understand the company’s vision, mission, and strategic goals.
   • Learn about different departments and how they contribute to the organization’s success.
   • Be aware of industry trends and how they may impact the company.
7. Take on New Challenges:
   • Volunteer for cross-functional projects or initiatives that expose you to different parts of the business.
   • Be willing to step out of your comfort zone and tackle new challenges.
   • Demonstrate your ability to adapt and succeed in various situations.
8. Show Results and Impact:
   • Track and communicate your achievements and the impact you’ve made on the organization.
   • Use data and metrics to demonstrate your contributions.
   • Highlight instances where you’ve taken initiative and achieved positive outcomes.
9. Be Patient and Persistent:
   • Promotions may take time, especially for leadership roles. Be patient and stay focused on your development.
   • Keep refining your skills and continue to seek out leadership opportunities.
   • Stay positive and resilient, even if you face setbacks.
10. Stay Informed and Educated:
    • Continuously seek opportunities for professional development, such as workshops, courses, or certifications.
    • Remain contemporary with industry best practices and trends.
    • Read, read, read, especially books and articles on leadership and management.

I want to recognize that leadership isn’t for everyone. You may already know that a formal leadership position is not one of your goals. But remember, pursuing personal growth and development is valuable for leaders and non-leaders alike! Almost every item on this list still applies. Work with your leader and HR professionals in your organization to learn about and develop growth paths that allow you to add value to the organization in a creative way.

And, finally, a shameless plug: this list would be incomplete without suggesting working with a career or leadership coach! Please reach out to me at bill@getemergent.com if you want to learn more about working with a coach, developing yourself as a leader, and making yourself more promotable!