Do you feel disappointed? Does it feel like your boss doesn’t appreciate you? Do you feel that the best option is to change jobs? Just take a deep breath, don’t allow your emotions to take control over your professional life, and make a smart plan. 

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There are many possible reasons why you are not being promoted. I could list many of them, but how would it really help you? Guessing is not the best option in this situation; clarity is what you need the most.

Here are three things you can do:

1. Ask For Feedback

Feedback is a great source of information. People often see you differently to how you see yourself. Ask as many people as possible: those who have had interactions with you – your stakeholders. Include your boss, your peers, your subordinates and other people you have collaborated with. Identify one or two patterns from feedback and start working on them. It could be your technical skills, communication skills, presentation skills or your attitude. You can ask:

• What do think about my work, performance, skills, competencies and behaviour?
• What level of skills and competencies do you expect from people in higher positions?
• What can I do to move to the next level?

2. Create A Development Plan

Talk to your boss, to your mentor and to HR and create your development plan. Define what level of skills, competencies and behaviours are required in order to be promoted. Define and agree on one or two areas you will be working on and set the deadlines.

Remember to review your progress with your stakeholders constantly to be sure that the change is visible for everyone and you are on the right track.


3. Find The Resources

• Ask for specific training within your organization, which will help you to achieve your goals. Or find it externally.
• Ask your boss for additional tasks to help you to practice your new skills and competencies.
• Find a mentor, somebody within your organization in a higher position, who can advise and share experience of what works and what doesn’t: somebody who can inspire you.

Demonstrate a positive attitude and show that you care. There is nothing worse than an employee who expects to be promoted without taking ownership and being accountable for their own career.

Visit Ginger CTC to find out more about Malgorzata's work.

_{Edited by Nedda Chaplin
Image credit: Quick briefing before meeting from Shutterstock}

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