Ever wonder why some people are getting promoted and you’re standing still? You do your job. You come in every day, do what you’re supposed to do, your boss even tells you, you are doing a good job. So why are you not moving ahead?
In today’s lean environment, people are being asked to do more with less. Managers are hard pressed to get more resources for their departments, so they count on the staff they have to go above and beyond to help them make their departments successful. So basically, good is not good enough. They need people they can count on. People who don’t ask, “How much more are you going to pay me if I do this.” They are looking for people to step up and do the work without having to be asked, let alone, first see what’s in it for them.
So why should you do more work if you are not going to be compensated for it? How is that fair? Well, it may not be fair, but it may be the only choice or as I like to think of it, the only place to begin. Think about it. Everybody likes a Go To Guy, the guy they know they can count on to just get the job done. And consider the manager’s quandary if they really don’t have additional funds to hire more people, but are still expected to get the job done. Who is he going to look to? The Go To Guy. The guy who will say, “Sure, I can do that. No problem.” What a guy. This guy is saving my life and my job!
And so….when the time comes and there is a promotion available, guess who is the first guy who comes to mind? That’s right. Go To Guy. Now Go To Guy may not have as many years on the job as you. Go To Guy may not even be as good as you on any given job responsibility, but he’s Go To Guy. The manager knows he will get the job done and be a good reflection on him. He’s not taking a chance on the guy who has a million questions and demands.
So how do you become the Go To Guy without being taken advantage of? Always take on the challenge before you start asking what’s in it for you. You have to give to get. Keep the lines of communication open and honest with your manager. Let him know you are interested in any opportunities that come up involving upward mobility within the organization. Ask if there is anything you can do in terms of development to make sure you are ready when a promotion comes up. And then do act on them. Take a course. Read a book. Join an industry organization. Always listen to your manager’s feedback with an open mind and not defensively. If you look at feedback as a gift, something your manager really doesn’t have to share with you, then it makes it easier to receive, even if it not 100% positive. Remember, the negative stuff helps you get better.
The closer you get to being Go To Guy, the closer you will be to promotion.
Thoughts…….. Contact me at abbe@TECResourceCenter.com
