Step-by-Step Promotion

Six Steps to Getting a Promotion

By Ruth Haag

Traditional wisdom tells us that to get a promotion, you have to ask your boss. However, most people don’t get promotions by simply asking for them. In fact, asking may be the worst thing you can do. Here are six steps that will help you to get that increase in responsibility and hopefully an increase in your paycheck.

1. Do not directly ask for a promotion — Instead, you need to create an environment where you are the only logical person for the job.



2. Dress as if you have the promotion — If you already look like you can do the job, your boss is much more likely to give it to you.



3. Know all of the staff, especially those in charge — You should make yourself aware of everything going on in the office. Don’t be constrained by the organization chart, figure out who is REALLY in charge. Then be aware of any empty slots in the organization that you might fill.



4. Participate in meetings — Your boss has to get used to hearing the great ideas that you have. Your participation should be in the form of well-thought-out concepts. They should be ideas that help projects go forward, with the current players.



5. Volunteer for special projects — While I was working at a natural history museum, I noticed that the visitors were often complaining about the Planetarium shows. I noted that no one on the full-time staff even knew astronomy, much less how to run the Planetarium. I volunteered to learn astronomy and the Planetarium operation. In a few short months, I was put in charge of the Planetarium and its staff.



6. Sell yourself — Be sure that people know what you have done. This should not be in the form of bragging, but rather as casual mentions. For instance, imagine that someone is saying, “That was the greatest thing, when we changed our work schedule.” If you were responsible for this, you would say, “I was just driving to work when I got that idea; I’m glad it is working so well for you.”

About the Author

Ruth Haag is the President and CEO of Haag Environmental Company, a hazardous waste consulting firm. Ruth is also a business management consultant. She and her partner Bob Haag host the weekly radio show “Manage Living,” which can also be heard on-demand at www.manageliving.com. Ruth has authored a four-book series for supervisors. She offers business management courses through Ohio colleges, and she also provides private contract training. She is the publisher of Ohio’s monthly newspaper for thinking people, A Sandusky Bay Journal.