Andrew Rondeau

Andrew is the owner of this website and has been a Leader, Manager, Coach and Consultant for the last twenty-five years.

You Know You Will Never Be Promoted When…

By Andrew Rondeau
Published 09/1/2008

Gillian, one of the individuals I mentor, recently asked me about ‘getting promoted’.

She asked ‘What is the quickest and easiest way to get promoted?’

As an employee, we all want that promotion, don’t we?

Isn’t it our ultimate goal to rise above the ranks and be somebody in the office? Great pay and great respect.

In order to answer Gillian, I changed the question around: “What is the quickest and easiest way NOT to get promoted?”

Many hindrances will hamper your chances to get that promotion you've always wanted.

You know you will never be promoted when…

1. You aren't an efficient worker.

That means that at the end of the day, you aren't able to finish all the tasks you were supposed to finish. You are easily distracted or spending too much time gossiping or on email or…

2. You are never punctual.

Tardiness is an indication that you aren't sufficiently devoted to your work. Much worse, NOT providing what you have promised will also affect your chances of promotion.

3. You aren't getting along with the work colleagues that matter.

It isn't important that you make friends with everyone, but it is imperative that you be civil to everyone in the office. You must establish a healthy working relationship with all.

More importantly, you must have a good relationship with those who have a say in your promotion.

4. You complain a lot.

When you are complaining about everything, you are giving them more reasons not to promote you. It isn't bad to complain. However, be sure your complaints are valid and you aren't just sour-graping.

5. You are critical about the management.

Bosses tend to get even. If you are openly critical about the management, chances are that the company will take that up against you. Just control your desire to throw too much criticism about anything.

6. You are at odds with your boss.

There might be other personal reasons why you aren't getting along with your superiors. The sad fact is that whether you like it or not, that kind of relationship with your boss could affect promotions for you. Face that fact that even if you and your boss are professionals, personal factors could still get in your way.

So here are 6 hindrances that will hamper your chances to get that promotion you've always wanted.

I asked, “Gillian, which one do you think is hampering you, in you aim for promotion?

“Number 6. My boss. I never know what he wants”

I shared a story with Gillian:

I once worked for a boss who had a reputation for being 'hard, demanding, fearful and unapproachable'.

The first time we met, I asked him:

What do you expect from me?

What do you love?

What do you hate?

What are your interests/hobbies?

In reply, my boss said:

He wanted me to deliver the planned projects as agreed (i.e. budget/time/benefits)

He wanted me to keep him informed of progress - the truth - exactly how it is

He loved projects to be jointly agreed and met

He hated surprises. If the project dates were going to be missed, he wanted me to let him know as soon as I knew and especially not at the progress meeting in front of other staff

He liked watching football and participated in marathons

This Manager turned out to be the best Manager I have ever had the privilege of working for. He and I built a rapport straight away. We were open, honest and worked really well together. If things were not going well, we would sit down and work things out.

His reputation and my perception of him were just totally wrong.

Four simple questions ensured rapport was built and I knew exactly how to manage my boss.

Give it a try - it's simple but powerful.

By the way my First-Class Managers course has a complete section on ‘Managing Your Boss’ and shares with you the unique Relationship Builder Framework™ - one of the most useful frameworks you’ll ever get to use.

Spread The Word

2 Responses to "You Know You Will Never Be Promoted When…"

Anne-Marie | The Write Spot

said this on 06 Sep 2008 11:50:19 AM EST

I love your questions to your boss - What do you expect from me? What do you love?
What do you hate? What are your interests/hobbies? So easy and so practical. I will certainly keep this in mind in my next job.

(Reply to this comment)