The Tribune

You have been working hard, putting in long hours at the office and giving in to every demand from your boss, and you are still being passed over for a promotion. Being a loyal worker clearly is not enough to get you to the next career level, so what is a dedicated employee to do?

The hard truth is that simply fulfilling the exact requirements of their existing position does not guarantee that an employee will be promoted. Companies usually seek out employees who go above and beyond the scale of their duties. Doing so demonstrates their increased value to a company, and desire for professional growth. Achieving promotion typically means your supervisor notices your impressive performance, and believes you are ready to accomplish more complex tasks, projects and responsibilities. There are many ways you can prove to your manager that you are well-suited for a promotion.

Characteristics of promotable employees

• They understand how to deal with failure and leadership traits

• They are highly engaged and take on increased responsibility

• They identify organisational issues and solve problems with a proven ability to deliver results

• They adopt innovative approaches in identifying new ideas that create value internally and externally

• A demonstrated ability to adapt in the midst of rapid change

• The ability to act and react in a decisive manner

• The capacity to establish and maintain relationships externally, as well as at all levels internally

• The possession of business acumen, professionalism and the potential to achieve even more.

Promoting from within is great for the budget

To ensure that promotions from within enhance a company’s culture and its chemistry, such decisions must be thoughtfully considered. No company is perfect, and those who claim to be are really just displaying their own shortsightedness. A successful business is always seeking new ways to modify and improve their structure and workflow.

Promoting employees can be an important talent retention tool, and it is a great approach to rewarding excellence. Moreover, promotions from within sends a message to all employees that “hard work is recognised”, company loyalty is valued and staff are crucial to future success.

Employees who work hard and demonstrate leadership and problem solving skills, a growth mindset and a high level of engagement, have already proven themselves to be an asset to a business and deserve to be rewarded. This is an indicator that an employee is ready for promotion.

Promotions are not only good for employees but they benefit the overall company as well. It is proof of strong growth, expansion and new opportunities available for a business, and also allows management to better attract top level talent during the recruitment process. Until we meet again, fill your life with memories rather than regrets. Enjoy life and stay on top of your game.

NB: Columnist welcomes feedback at deedee21bastian@gmail.com

About Columnist: Deidre M. Bastian is a professionally-trained graphic designer/brand marketing analyst, author and certified life coach with qualifications of A.Sc. B.Sc. M.Sc. She has trained at institutions such as: Miami Lakes Technical Centre, Success Training College, College of The Bahamas, Nova Southeastern University, Learning Tree International, Langevine International and Synergy Bahamas.