A step-by-step guide to climbing the career ladder
January 31, 2018
By Brian Maynor
Reaching for the next rung on the career ladder is exciting, but it’s also nerve-racking.
When is the right time to ask for a promotion? How do I prepare for and start the conversation? How much information should I have at the ready?
These questions alone make the situation intimidating, but when you add the element of vulnerability to the equation it can become utterly terrifying. When we ask for a promotion we not only surrender control; we open ourselves up for judgment and scrutiny, and the possibility of being judged not worthy.
But we can’t climb to great heights if we don’t try.
If you’re ready to go to the next level, but need a little help getting started, these steps make a great guide:
1. Think it through. Before we ever take action, the first step should always be thinking through what we want. Are we motivated to seek a promotion for more power? More responsibility? More money? Are we applying for a current opening or trying to create a new one? Understanding what we want helps us see the bigger picture as it relates to our career trajectory and provides context for the next steps.
2. Do our homework. As we reach higher positions, decisions are made less by a single manager and more by a committee of peers. That makes it important to seek their insights before making our request. Not only will we build support for our promotion, we may also discover a new strategy to aid in framing the request.
3. Build our case. Now that we know what we want and have feedback from higher-ups, it’s time to start planning the conversation. It is important to line up concrete examples of our accomplishments, how they relate to our request for a promotion. We should also include peer feedback that shows we’re already working at a higher level.
4. Planting the seed. Typically moving up the corporate ladder is not a one and done conversation. Instead it is a series of conversations that build on one another. The first conversation should reflect that we are not only excelling in our current position, but also ready to start the discussions of moving up. That sets the intention to continue the conversation with the ultimate goal clearly set out.
5. Tend the seed. Moving up the career ladder is not the place for instant gratification. During the conversations, we may learn of skills or experience that need to be developed in order to reach the next level. As we gain those skills and experience we should relay them to our boss, but we don’t want to pester them with weekly updates. Monthly or quarterly progress updates are more effective.
Moving up in a career takes time, planning and persistence; making it important to not get discouraged by the process. Instead we should use the time to strengthen our position. However, that doesn’t mean you should wait forever. If other people are being promoted or the conversations have stalled, it may be time to move on to other opportunities.
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I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
