Are You Ready For a Promotion? Nine Tips Plus One to Help You Get There

Your goal is to be promoted; your eyes are on that coveted position and you know you've got the skills and determination to get there. But do you have a plan? It's not enough to want it; it's not even enough to know you can do the job. You need a strategy for getting there. Here are a few ideas to help you become a more-promotable you.

1. Develop a game plan. Take some time to sit down and think about what you want to achieve. Now put it on paper. Write down your strengths and your weaknesses and be honest about them. Formulate ways to make your strengths work for you and devise a plan for improving your weak points. Set goals and work towards them. Then practice your plan every day.

2. Build a track record. Nothing gets you noticed faster than successful completion of a task or project, so get out there and get busy. Take on projects whenever, wherever you can; but make sure not to overload yourself. Look for opportunities to work with other departments; this helps you not only gain visibility but provides the foundation for a strong personal cross-company network. It shows you're paying attention to the big picture and are not just focused on your little area.

3. Learn how to take advice. Everyone in business should have a mentor; who is yours? Find someone who is or has been where you want to go and learn from them. Ask questions-not just of them, but of anyone whose opinion you respect and trust. Show you're a team player by actively participating in brainstorming sessions. Accept and acknowledge ideas from others' and always give credit where credit is due. Good leaders know that it is sometimes from the most unlikely people that the best advice comes.

4. Become an active listener. Good leaders listen to others and 'hear' what they say. They also make an effort to make sure that both their team and their leadership are kept informed of what is going on. By using open communication and active listening skills, you create a level of trust in the people you work with; and this, in turn, creates a desire to follow and a willingness to let lead.

5. Never stop learning. The world we live in isn't stagnant; everything is constantly changing. Do your best to stay on top of the changes. Take advantage of company-sponsored classes as well those offered online and locally. They don't have to be specifically business-related either; much of what we learn outside the realm of business can be used to help us be better in our jobs.

6. Ask to receive. You know you want the promotion and you know you're capable of doing the job. But have you relayed that information to your employer? Does your manager know you aspire to greater things? Let them know; let them help you. Ask what you need to do to get on the right track. Ask for performance feedback. Ask for guidance. Ask for opinion.

7. Be flexible. Wouldn't it be nice if we could adapt the position and the workplace around our individual style and needs? But we can't always do this. If you want to be seen as promotable, you have to be willing to change and adapt to the ever-changing work environment.

8. Be prepared. Using all of the tools above, stay ahead of the game by preparing yourself for the unexpected. Anticipate questions; anticipate problems and then devise solutions to have at the ready. Being prepared is being in control.

9. Act the part. Let your leadership abilities shine through in everything you do. Step up to the plate and take charge when it's needed; guide others when you can. Show your employer that a promotion is a natural extension of your abilities.

So there you have it; nine things to help you get that promotion you want and deserve. But wait, I promised one more. So here it is; the most important tip I can offer:

10. Commit to win. There are going to be setbacks and frustrations, but never lose sight of your goal. Commit to your plan; adjust it, revise it, rearrange it as you learn and grow-but never give up on it. Make a commitment to yourself and that promotion will happen.