By J. Thompson
Online Career Tips Contributor
There is no shortage of career advice or journal articles with quick tips on how to sell your boss on giving you a promotion. Some of it makes sense, but most of it is noise. There’s one simple truth you need to know to get promoted, even in if you’re working in an organization or sector that’s shrinking—be the best at what you do.
And how do you become the best?
Be fearless.
It might sound a little esoteric, but it’s not. It means—don’t be afraid to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses. If your skills look just like everyone else’s, then it’s time to take charge and step outside of your comfort zone. Push for stretch assignments, find a mentor, or come up with unusual ideas to solve your team’s business problems.
Get training.
Don’t know good management skills? Then sign up for Franklin Covey, or an internal development program. Perhaps your team needs a certified program manager, a specialized expert in a technology tool, or a communicator extraordinaire. Enroll in certified training or an academic degree program that will give you both the knowledge and the credentials on paper that confirms you’ve got the chops to specialize in something unique.
Demonstrate your value.
Concerned that your manager might think you’re being distracted from your duties because you’re partaking in extracurricular training or education to sharpen your skills? Don’t be. If you’re indispensable, you’ll know it. Furthermore, your boss will know it. And when it comes time for that heart-to-heart discussion, don’t hesitate to demonstrate the added value you bring to the table. And never be afraid to ask that you be compensated based on fair-market value for your skills and experience. Look, if you truly provide outstanding results, it can’t hurt to ask. And if your boss doesn’t agree, then your new boss at the other company with better benefits and growth opportunities will.
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