Habits That Get Employees Promoted

Being promoted is the goal of many workers trying to advance in a company. Sometimes, more money is the goal. Maybe it’s the chance to manage a team. The opportunity to be promoted is usually sought after by more than one employee.

How do you set yourself apart from the colleague next to you as someone who is worthy of the promotion? Whether a promotional opportunity is coming up or years away, practicing the habits leadership wants to see can give you an edge over others.

Setting Career Goals

Ask yourself “Where do I want to be in 2, 3 or 5 years?” By developing a timeline that works for you, you can begin setting career goals.

Decide where you want to be at a specific point in your career. This will allow you to pursue any training opportunities that you need to get there. This can also include more education or certifications.

In addition to setting future career goals, be in the habit of setting SMART goals every year. SMART goals are

• Specific
• Measureable
• Achievable
• Relevant and
• Time

These bound goals that will allow you to focus your efforts and clarify what you want to achieve in your job. Having SMART goals to weigh your achievements against at the end of the year. This will keep you on track for the next step in your career.

Seeking Out Learning Opportunities

Organizational leadership likes employees who have a desire to continue learning. Take advantage of in-house training or mentor programs if they are available to you. If they aren’t, talk with your supervisor about external learning opportunities that the company might have.

Maybe your organization is short on internal learning opportunities. Maybe your company doesn’t have the budget to pay for external seminars, certifications or memberships. If this is the case, take it upon yourself to continue learning.

Sign up for free webinars and attend professional networking events when possible. To be sure your efforts aren’t ignored, speak up when it’s appropriate.

Example:
You might have the chance to tell co-workers about an interesting industry related book you read. Tell your manager about a free webinar event you found. Being vocal about the learning opportunities outside the organization will help show your dedication to the leaders within your company.

Taking Charge

It isn’t necessary to rely on a job title to take a leadership role within your organization or team. Companies want to promote those who they know can lead, inspire and engage team members. Even if your current job does not require it, take the chance to lead projects or groups when you can.

When there is a new project starting, let your manager know you are interested in leading the team. Even serving as the point person. Taking initiative for more responsibility will show your employer that you are ready for a promotion.

No matter your personality, get in to the habit of being someone who steps up and takes charge when needed. When the timing is right, those traits will be highly valued.

Being Dependable

Being a dependable employee needs to be a top priority. This includes:

• Showing up on time
• Being where you say you will be
• Not calling out sick regularly
• Getting your work done in a timely manner

These can go a long way to further your career. Managers are more likely to seek out your skills and assistance with projects or problems. Why? They feel that you can be depended on to do the job right.

Dependability is a habit that needs to be built every day. By managing commitments, proactively communicating and following through with your work, you are showing everyone around you how dependable you are.

Challenging The Norms

Practice being an employee who is invested in making their workplace more functional. Get in the habit of bringing new ideas and recommendations to the table. If these ideas also improve workflow while reducing waste or cost, even better. When the opportunity presents itself to offer your new ideas, don’t hesitate. You are showing leadership that you are invested in not only your growth, but the growth of the company.

Be willing to say what others are not. Sometimes it’s important to challenge the status quo or question company leadership. While it can be awkward, a good company wants their employees to feel empowered enough to disagree sometimes.

If you don’t already exhibit these habits in your daily work, you can easily take the steps to start. These will help in addition to working hard and staying dedicated.

Exhibiting the right traits and habits will prove to your company decision makers that you are ready to take on more responsibility.