ALT-4 Strategies for getting yourself Promoted
Strategies? What strategies? Do you really have to lay out a war map like General Patton and plan your campaign to overwhelm the enemy? Maybe some very logical and ambitious people think that way about getting promoted, but unless you're in the Army, the process should be more performance than strategy.
The first consideration about getting promoted is to know your company thoroughly, and investigate where there are specific opportunities for your promotion. If you're in a division where all the jobs above you are held by hot-shot young people, you just expand your search for an opening elsewhere inside or outside the company.
Do your work to the best of your ability, and then add at least ten percent more. When there are snags and delays, be the first to jump in and seek solutions.
Constantly improve your skills and effectiveness. This can be from expanding your knowledge of the company and exploring ways to advance your career within your current work assignment, or if opportunities present themselves, in other areas of your company. Continuing education is always a plus, such as a master's degree, and can be an important step for you up the promotion ladder, as well as expanding your work skills.
I must admit strategy does play an important part in getting promoted in one important aspect. Hey, look at what I did! Be sure those who make the decisions on promotions, higher-rank transfers and/or bonuses know about your work and your accomplishments. Of course, you can talk to them directly at a timely moment, particularly if you've just completed an assignment with great skill or have done something that saved or brought in an unexpected amount of money to the company. Additionally, you may induce your associates to let those in higher authority know what a great worker you are, and get them to do it periodically.
When there is an opening, and when you've put in the time and effort, pull out all the stops and go for that promotion. You know the old saying that opportunity knocks but once, but if you make your own opportunity, you can knock it out of the ballpark.
