When companies go through a merger or leadership transition, there’s a lot going on. It’s a busy time!
Depending on the circumstances, there might be excitement and energy or a level of nervousness. But in any case, there is a lot happening in the company. And, given that there were over 21,000 mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in 2021 in the US, it’s likely that you may experience this at some point in your career.
Many women tend to “let the dust settle” and avoid talking about anything related to career advancement.
But this is a missed opportunity. A merger or new boss is actually an excellent time to seek a promotion or raise. Here’s how you can do it.
Click on the video below to learn more….!
Step 1: Don’t Assume Anything
First things first—don’t assume that your new boss knows anything about you, your goals, or your accomplishments. Despite a positive relationship with your previous boss, there’s no reason to believe that they’ve sung your praises or passed on information to the new leader.
Instead, advocate for your career. Take control of your future by speaking up and sharing your accomplishments, goals, and desire for career advancement. You can step up and show yourself to be a partner in the new direction of your company.
Step 2: Get to Know Your New Boss
Once you’ve set your mind to advocating for yourself, spend some time getting to know your new boss. There’s a reason they’ve been brought in, to fix a problem or address a specific situation.
Take initiative and have a conversation with your new boss. This is a great time to show yourself as a team player who is empathetic to challenges and understands the dynamics of the change curve.
Desired outcomes of the conversation include:
- Introducing yourself, your role, and your accomplishments.
- Understanding their goals and why they were brought in.
- Communicating alignment on shared company values.
Being the employee to step up and get to know the new boss can both set you apart from others and show your boss that they have a partner in you.
Step 3: Follow Your Promotion Plan
After establishing initial rapport and understanding your boss’ goals, you can communicate your own promotion plan. It’s always best to put it in writing, so spend some time preparing. Compile your thoughts and present the following information to your boss:
- Your history with the company, focusing on past accomplishments.
- Future goals, including a raise, promotion, or role change.
- Why you’re the right candidate for a future role and your ideas and goals for the future that support the company’s overall goals.
- A training and transition plan to help assure them of stability as you move into a new role.
Think of it like preparing a resume—it’s a profile that captures who you are, your professional accomplishments, and where you want to go.
Don’t let a merger or new boss throw you off your path toward career advancement. As I said, it’s all about having a plan. My Promotion Plan has seven tangible steps to complete and is designed to help women achieve career advancement. I’d love for you to join in the revolution and start your own promotion plan to get the career of your dreams!
