I’ve been getting a lot of feedback recently from friends of mine who run 9-5 jobs about increasing their earnings. One of the paramount questions from this category is: ‘So Victory how do I avoid being broke when the job I’m doing barely covers all my needs and gives me little or no room to upskill or develop myself?’
So I asked in return, ‘Have you considered getting promoted?’ The tone in their voice said it all.
First the stammer, then the pardon me, next the litany of reasons why it was a ridiculous thing to think of considering their entry level status. They didn’t believe they were worth being promoted or that there was a
chance for them in the industry.
This is the basis upon which this article was conceived.
How can you get a promotion at your place of work in 2020 regardless of how long you’ve been working there? How impossible it may seen?
- Apply Unstoppable Focus To Your Tasks: The truth is many of us are just distracted, plain and simple. This is especially through of those in the youth bracket.
We have too many things competing for our attention, hence the quality of the work we do doesn’t get recognized for much because its not unique enough to get the attention of our superiors at work.
I hear you when you remind me of how difficult your work place is and how sadistic your Head of Department can be, but the thing is like a goldfish, good work has no place to hide.
You can’t be 100% focused on your work and not get an improved outcome by way of a promotion. One way to treat it is to see your work in the light of that side hustle you run that you’re so passionate about. If only you’ll apply half the interest and man hours you spend on that side hustle to your main gig (this also applies to those whose side hustle is to scroll their social media timelines and status feeds), you’ll definitely get better results. - Be Available:
You know what they say about opportunity meeting only the prepared? Being available is your lunch ticket to accessing certain opportunities that can lead to your promotion. So when next your department head needs a volunteer to run a rather “mundane” task, make sure you show up.
This is a guaranteed way to maintain top-of-mind appeal to your superiors. Develop a culture of being known as the ready one. This doesn’t mean that you should spend all your time doing work that doesn’t engage you mentally and creates room for you to develop unique skillsets. I know some department heads can assign errand tasks like there’s no tomorrow but my next point will help you avoid being a victim of that situation. - Over Deliver On High Level Tasks:
For all its worth you’ll probably be given regular errand tasks if you’re known for not contributing effectively to high stakes tasks. Every manager has his star players. Your role is to be a star to your boss so much so that he/she exempts you from activities that someone without your quality of educational qualifications can take on.
Seek ways to make your boss look good before his/her bosses especially when it comes to inter departmental/cross disciplinary projects. Don’t be that staff that makes the overall boss question the effectiveness of your direct superior. When he takes the glory for your contributions, guess who is going to be on top of his
recommendation list when there’s a new opportunity to head a unit in another branch? Definitely you.
There you have it, 3 super sure ways that will no doubt get you that promotion you desire so much.
Victory Odunjo is passionate about people, growth, and development. He has worked across various sectors with top tier organizations like MTN, Stanbic IBTC, and others. He has founded a number of startups and NGOs. Over the years he has helped several notable brands to improve their profitability. His writings and speaking sessions with individuals and business owners make him highly sought after.
