You’ve been working loyally and faithfully in your company for many years and that opportunity for promotion has finally arrived. The last time you checked, though, you’re not the only worker who’s qualified for the upgrade. To make matters worse, most of your rivals seem to be very competent and are all vying for this once in a lifetime opportunity. So, how do you stand out and be the one to grab a hold of the crown of promotion? The thing is, your boss already has an idea who among your group is capable and who isn’t. This is especially true if your team is a close knit one. The key to stand out is to gradually sow seeds way before an opportunity for promotion arises. Here are several things you can do starting today that will help you shine above everyone else and be the ultimate winner when that promotion comes along.
Display Enthusiasm All the Time
Showing that you are interested and passionate about what you are doing is the primary way for you to get that promotion. Good employers prefer workers who do what they do not because they are getting paid for it, but primarily because they love their work. One way to show your enthusiasm is to always take down notes during meetings. This may seem to be insignificant, but your boss will notice it, because it means you are engaged in the situation and that you take what he has to say very seriously. It also shows that you have a genuine interest in his words and consider his instructions your priority.
Show Mental Toughness
Mental toughness is what separates excellent employees from mediocre ones. While it doesn’t imply that you should be cold hearted towards your colleagues, it means that you should do your best not to be seen emotional in the workplace. Avoid getting upset or angry, because in a working environment, it is considered a sign of weakness, and weak employees are the last one that any employer would consider for promotion. This is especially important if you are vying for a senior position, which requires that you make tough decisions from time to time, such as firing people or denying leave requests.
Step Up Voluntarily
Volunteering when cover is required is a sign that you love the company as if you own it. It means you’re not there only when things are convenient, but are ready to show support when your strength is needed, and that even if the job requires that you leave the office last. You don’t necessarily have to do it if your boss doesn’t specifically asks for your assistance, but if he is specially requesting for you, don’t think twice. He’ll remember you for stepping up and for going the extra mile and will not think twice himself of choosing you when the time comes that he needs to get someone promoted.
Dress to Impress
Whether you’re job requires you to wear smart clothes in the workplace or not, always do your best to outdress your colleagues, especially if you have to work around your seniors most of the time. When I first joined the world of real estate, one thing I learned first was that I should dress like a millionaire all the time since I am now selling properties that are worth millions. Most clients are choosy and will only buy from property specialists whom they feel they can trust. Most employers would also prefer a worker who takes time to look good in the workplace, because they believe that these are the people who take their jobs seriously. For this reason, always give a good impression, because even if you are not as skillful as the other guy who wears casual clothing all the time, you will be the one your boss will prefer because of your sense of dress.
Best Your Colleagues in All Areas
Try to work harder and smarter than your colleagues do. If ever you get promoted, your colleagues will come to respect you because they know you deserved it. If you are not good at what you do and then you get the promotion, your colleagues might come to resent you, thinking you only got the job because you knew somebody from the top and didn’t get the promotion because you’re actually that good. In the same manner, if you strive for excellence in all areas of your job, your boss will not think twice of promoting you and will not regret his decision, because you are showing through the quality of results you deliver that you are the natural choice.
How to Get a Promotion: 21 Leadership Strategies That Will Get You Promoted Fast