You are great at what you do. You are conscientious and hardworking. You are career- and detail-oriented. And yet, somehow, you haven’t received the accolades that you think you deserve. Your being polite and hardworking are not enough to put you on top of the organization. Others are getting promoted way ahead of you. What’s the deal? You are sure that you’re doing the right thing. You have even better output than those who have been promoted, so what’s wrong with you? Why can’t your bosses see that you’re the best person for the job?
Thinking that you’re the best does not always translate to being the best in others’ eyes. While your employer tries to be the best for you by providing an employee benefits platform, they must also make sure that you deserve these benefits and compensation. They will measure your competency and effectiveness based on the standards the company values. They will make sure that they are not wasting resources on you. If they don’t see you as deserving of a promotion, then maybe you need to take stock of what you have done for the company.
Take on New Projects
Don’t let your skills go to waste. Or don’t stay in your comfort zone. Show that you’re a team player by offering to help other team members, even the ones who are not in your department. Take on new challenges. If there’s a new project that you think will be valuable for enhancing your skills, then offer to help with that. Be proactive. Stop sitting around and waiting for your boss to hand you a task. Look for something that will occupy your time and improve your skills.
Think Outside the Box
Do you want to be noticed? Then you have to be different. Think of simpler solutions to your work problems. Someone who can come up with a simpler but more effective solution will stand out. The bosses will listen to the person. In their eyes, this employee is worthy of a promotion.
Speak up in Meetings
You don’t always have to share an idea or present a report to be noticed during meetings. Sometimes, the simple act of letting yourself be heard is enough for your bosses to take notice. They want people who actively participate. They want their employees to show that they care enough to try to think of solutions and help the company. Add to the conversation, whether it be praise for a colleague’s insight or a simple suggestion.
Take Ownership
Thinking of the company as your own will want you to work better. It will help you improve your skills. Thinking like an entrepreneur will get you ahead of the curve. This will make the lives of your bosses easier because they know that the company is in good hands.
Don’t be afraid to take your skills a notch higher. Don’t be afraid to ask for a consideration to be promoted, too. If you think that you deserve the promotion, then speak up and be heard. Sometimes, your bosses need a little wake-up call.