How to Get Promoted: Positioning, Storytelling, and Self-Advocacy
I’m stuck at a plateau—how do I influence upward and get promoted?
Feeling stuck at a career plateau is a common experience for many professionals. The path to promotion often requires more than just hard work; it involves strategic positioning, storytelling, and self-advocacy. Today, let’s explores how to influence upward and achieve career advancement.
If an artist wants their work recognized, they must showcase their talent, tell the story, and advocate themself. However, get into the corporate world, working your job, building your career, and it is not what comes to mind for most. Positioning yourself strategically (say what?) communicating your value (cringe), and advocating for your career growth (I feel sick). The alternative people, you are quietly waiting for the big boss above to advocate for you and do the heavy lifting.
Positioning is crucial. Identify your unique strengths and how they align with your organisation's goals. Highlight your achievements and contributions that have made a significant impact. Undestand what your capabilities and attributes are you bring to each situation and when they are maximized and when they are not. You can use a common tool like SWOT analysis to assess it. By positioning yourself effectively, you can demonstrate your value to decision-makers.
Storytelling is a powerful tool for career advancement. Craft a compelling narrative that showcases your journey, achievements, and aspirations. Use anecdotes and examples to illustrate your impact and potential. A well-told story can resonate with your audience and create a lasting impression. Take the boss on your journey not just dictating to them.
Self-advocacy is essential to break through the plateau. Initiate conversations with your manager about your career goals and aspirations. Be proactive in seeking opportunities for growth and development. Network with colleagues and mentors who can support your career advancement. By advocating for yourself, you can create opportunities for promotion.
Take the example of Lisa, a software engineer who felt stuck in her role. By positioning herself as an expert in her field, telling her story through presentations and articles, and advocating for her career growth, she was able to influence upward and secure a promotion. Her strategic approach not only elevated her career but also inspired others to follow suit.
So what are some takeaways here:
- Set your intentions, where do you want to go, what is your next move you are working towards. See where you want to go.
- Become part of the team and culture, because let’s face it, if you are negative nancy in the office, no one wants to be around you for too long.
- Know where you add value and where the opportunity is for you to fill or create.
- Take your boss on the journey through storytelling
Be proactive. Learn more, shadow others, promote yourself.
In conclusion, breaking through a career plateau requires strategic positioning, storytelling, and self-advocacy. By implementing these strategies, you can influence upward and achieve career advancement.
Your ideal job may not be posted—it might be created through strategic negotiation. Empower yourself by initiating conversations about your career aspirations. With the right approach, you can shape a role that fulfills and motivates you.