Tips on How to Position Yourself for an Executive Promotion

Wherever you’re going, you feel like you’re going there together.

You’ll follow a real leader anywhere, and you’ll follow a real leader forever because he or she has a knack for making you feel you aren’t actually following. –Dharmesh Shah, Founder and CTO of HubSpot. Our image consultant service will help you position yourself for an executive promotion.

The New Year is almost upon us, and many corporate employees find themselves thinking, “How can I get a promotion in 2017?” The truth is, positioning yourself for the next job promotion is really a set of habits that must be put into place. When you thoughtfully take action that you know is in alignment with what the higher-ups are looking for, you’re likely headed in the right direction.

In my experience, here are some things you can do that will certainly raise your status in the eyes of your manager.

* Show up on time, every time.

Whether you’re working in the mailroom or already have a corner office, being on time, every time is vital to success. Managing your time well is an easy way to position yourself as a leader: when other people know that you’re reliable, you’ll begin to attract greater responsibility.

* Do your research.

If you have an idea that you believe will help the company, research it before shooting your mouth off. Pinpoint some comparable ideas that were previously successful in your company or in a similar company. If you’re ready to back up your ideas with statistics and relevant anecdotes people will take you much more seriously – and you’re much more likely to make headway.

* Never count on others to make you successful.

It is true that when you help others get what they want and need in life, you will be much better positioned to get what you want. However, it’s never a good idea to rely on someone else to “make” you successful. In other words, do your best all the time! If you’re managing a project, be on top of things and treat people well.

* Don’t be too irreplaceable.

I read article after article that tells corporate employees to make themselves “irreplaceable.” Well, guess what? While it is true that you always want to perform at your highest level, the key is to not be seen as the only person capable of performing the necessary duties in the position you’re in – if you want to move up, that is.

When you don’t delegate, it holds you back from actually raising above your position. If people think you’re the only one who can do your job, well, you’ll be the only one doing that job for a long time.

* Understand and speak the company’s language.

Bosses appreciate the language more than anything because it demonstrates that you have a grasp of the company’s vision. Management likes it when their team has a strong understanding of what would be useful for the company in the long run. It shows that you’re really a good fit for the corporation.

* Ask for the promotion.

You cannot be too shy.

If you want to be promoted, you have to ask for it! If nobody knows what you want, they might just assume that you’re happy right where you are. However, if you’re dying to be in sales, you must share your dream with others. Boldly talk about the direction you want to move in with your higher-ups. They will appreciate it and take notice.

The truth is that it’s no longer enough to simply be an expert in what you do. These days, you have to exude Executive Presence as well as easily demonstrate how the work you do benefits the company. If you would like some help reviewing 2016 and pinpointing areas where you can be more promotable in 2017, let’s talk. Click HERE to set up a session with me today!