There’s a big myth that a lot of professional women fall for: working hard equals promotions and raises.
Yes, working hard is important. But it’s not the only thing that’s going to get you a promotion or raise! This myth is so prevalent in our culture that it holds people back from cultivating characteristics and taking action towards career advancement.
Instead of buying into that myth, I help women develop a personalized promotion plan to get them to the next level of their careers. Here are the characteristics you can develop today to earn a promotion.
7 Characteristics to Help You Earn a Promotion
Have self-confidence
If you don’t see something in yourself, how will others see it in you? You need to believe in yourself and believe you’re on a level playing field as those who are above you. Career confidence and self-confidence are the foundation for advancement, and the next six steps will help you get there!
2. Be solutions-based
It’s easy to criticize and talk about problems—everyone does that. The people who get promoted are the people who bring solutions! If you know how to improve things or have a solution to a big problem, approach your manager individually so you can speak to them about it.
3. Take risks and fail forward
Succeeding is not about always getting something right—those who are successful take risks and, sometimes, fail! But what they do with that failure and how they learn from it is what drives them forward in their career.
And remember this: failing does not mean you are a failure. You just found one way that doesn’t work! Thomas Edison famously viewed his failures as results because he found out that what doesn’t work to be just as valuable.
4. Be early for deadlines
Sure, meeting deadlines is good. But lots of good employees do that. To stand out, accelerate your work and turn things in early. This will be memorable to your manager or boss and make you a desirable person to have on the team.
5. Be kind and assertive
Kindness is not being a doormat and saying “yes” all the time! You’re not there for other people to walk all over you. Kindness is about being positive and optimistic—both of which can also reduce stress—and having a great attitude that rubs off on the people you interact with. Avoid gossiping, help others, and get to know other people on a personal level.
6. Hunger for personal development
Learning new things helps you stay at the forefront of your industry while inspiring others to do the same.
Personal and professional development also signals to your manager that you can learn and grow into different skills and roles. You’ll develop your presentation, leadership, emotional intelligence, and other qualities that will make you a good candidate for promotion.
7. Know your value
Advocating for yourself is essential for your career advancement. Unfortunately, you can’t depend on others to know what you want out of your career or if you’re interested in a new role or promotion. You’ve got to speak up and tell them.
Hard work alone is not enough to earn a promotion. Instead, you need a plan that helps you develop the characteristics and actions to advance in your career. This is everything I teach in My Promotion Plan, where we create a plan and discuss them in a personal one-on-one call.
Make sure to check out the How to Earn A Promotion Masterclass to learn more about how to earn a promotion as a woman, why the traditional career advice unknowingly zaps your confidence, and how to get it back, plus other tips to advance your career.
