Chances are, you’ve been taught to believe that if you get a job and you do it well, you’ll be promoted upwards in the workplace. Well, nothing could be farther from the truth, because it’s not always the most dedicated or best worker who gets the promotion. In fact, if you plan to get promoted, I suggest you devise a plan, a strategy that includes a goal, a time line, and a list of steps you need to take to accomplish the goal.

Step one. Be the best at what you do. Before you even think about getting a promotion, please make sure you know your job and you do it well. Strive to be the best you can be and build a consistent record of excellence. Maintain that excellence so people can see stability in your performance over time. And, don’t get upset if no one rushes to promote you; just keep plugging away.

Step two. Build relationships in the company and in your industry. The mistake many people make is they are just friendly with the people they like in their immediate or surrounding work areas. Get strategic, and get to know people you may not normally associate with. Start with a simple hello when you see them and work your way up to a conversation. In addition, make it a goal to meet people in different companies in your industry, as well as people outside your industry – you never know where new opportunities might come from.

Step three. Blow your own horn. Positive self-promotion and boasting are two different approaches to blowing your own horn. Boasting, or bragging, is simply running your mouth with no real purpose other than to make yourself look good in an effort to impress people. Self-promotion is strategically positioning yourself, so that others can see how you might help them solve their issues with your skills and your demonstrated track record. If appropriate, take the time to meet with your supervisor and gently remind him or her about your capabilities and let them know about your goals. It’s okay to let your ambitions be known, as long as you don’t beat people over the head with your need for a promotion.

Step four. Become your supervisor’s ally. Some supervisors are impossible to work with, but that’s not the norm. If you are smart, you will begin to work closely with your supervisor and begin to help him or her look good. Anticipate their needs, offer suggestions, and really get to know them. Document what you do, as you set that person up for an eventual promotion of their own. Yes, you know what that means – you could move into their spot.

Step Five. Keep your options open. Don’t get stuck on the idea that you will be promoted within the company. Some of the best opportunities may be outside your company, if for no other reason than your organization may have pigeonholed you. In other words, they might only see you in a certain type of position, even though you have gained the qualifications to take on more responsibility. That is one reason why it is imperative that you network across your industry.

Karen Hinds is “The Workplace Success Expert.” For a FREE SPECIAL REPORT on Avoiding Career Killers in the Workplace, send an email to info@workplacesuccess.com

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