How To Earn That Promotion

Why do most of us want a promotion? Money, responsibility, management opportunities or simply to take the next step may all be good reasons. However, in many cases the path to the promotion can be filled with forks in the road, pot holes and even quick sand. At Ag1Source we have watched many candidates work their way from one role to another and get promoted because they did a great job working on one or more of the following tasks that led to that promotion.

•  Deliver fantastic results in your current role—When an employee delivers outstanding results in their current role, one of two things usually happens. First, they get paid more because the organization doesn’t want to lose them and/or they get promoted to spread the knowledge and experience they have gained to others around them. 
• Talk with your Supervisor—A frank discussion during your annual review may pave the way to added responsibility and a chance to earn a promotion by working on some skill areas that may need improvement. 
• Be a leader—Each of us has opportunities to lead those around us. Either during a busy time when people are spread thin, or when a very important project comes along. If you think you are ready, volunteer, grab the bull by the horns, or step up at the right time. Show the people around you that you have a vision for where the company should go and help them to succeed. 
• Fly the company flag—Dozens of times a day you run into customers, town folk, or even suppliers that ask how things are going. In those interactions be positive! Talk about how well the company is doing and be the company’s best promoter/recruiter/marketing person. Positive people can have a big impact on the business and that gets noticed. 
• Be persistent and patient—Promotions don’t happen over night! It may take months or even years for the organization to promote the person in front of your, or a merger may shake up the entire system. Regardless, promotions happen after you’ve earned them and the organization is ready for you to assume that role. Work every day to demonstrate your ready, but be patient for the right time within the organization.
• You may need to relocate—Many organizations are getting very large and cover a lot of geography. An employee that is willing to move 50-100 miles to another location may have a BIG advantage and opportunity to get promoted. 
• Bust your tail—While all of the items listed above are critical to getting promoted, the most important thing our clients look for in people are those that work hard, every day, day in and day out. Working hard and smart gets noticed and opens doors to promotion faster than just about anything else.

 Using the above list of ideas, make your plan for how you can positively impact your organization and earn that next promotion.