How to fast-track your promotion

Tara Jaye Frank, the author of Saying Yes: A Woman's Guide to Advancing Her Professional Purpose, once said, “People don’t get promoted for doing their jobs really well. They get promoted by demonstrating their potential to do more.” Getting a promotion is a process that takes time, effort, and strategy. While we may not have complete control over when we get promoted, there are things we can do to fast-track our progress.

Here are four tips to help you prepare for a promotion:

1. Understand the promotion path
From the very beginning, it’s important to ask questions about the potential for promotion within a company. Find out how the previous person in the role progressed and what the company needs to see for consideration of a promotion. Knowing what kind of promotion can be expected, when it may happen, and how often it occurs will give you a clear idea of what to expect.

2. Speak up
You can't wait for promotions to happen. You need to make your intentions known to your manager, particularly if you're next in line for a promotion or have been with the company the longest. It's essential to remind your manager regularly and bring it up during review times. Having a transparent relationship with your manager will help ensure you're on the same page, and it will allow you to understand why you may not have been promoted yet.

3. Utilize your network
Business mentors are an essential resource when it comes to getting promoted. They can provide valuable advice on how to manage promotion discussions, and they can give insights into your career path. Seek out individuals who have been promoted themselves, whether they work within your company or in a similar field at a different company. Regular conversations with these individuals will put you a step ahead of colleagues who may be vying for the same role.

4. Stay positive
Being passed over for a promotion can be discouraging, but it's important to maintain a positive attitude and continue executing your duties. Being a great team player and an asset to the business is pivotal in getting the promotion you want. If a promotion is completely out of the question, it may be time to move on, but always stay positive and maintain a good relationship with your manager and colleagues.

In conclusion, fast-tracking your promotion is not an overnight process. It requires strategic planning, persistence, and utilizing resources such as mentors and a supportive network. By understanding the promotion path, speaking up, utilizing your network, and staying positive, you'll increase your chances of getting promoted faster.