Paul Phillips is the Global Head of Talent Acquisition at Avanade.
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Achievement, successful strategic thinking and the backing of mentors, executive champions and supporters all play key roles in most successful careers. Yet how do you demonstrate your readiness for a promotion and nurture these important relationships in today’s remote work environment?
Sometimes promotions may seem like they’re earned through magic and mystery, but today’s well-run enterprises have clearly defined criteria and protocols within which promotion decisions are made. And while it’s true that our current environment — a fluid economic outlook and many of us still working remotely — complicates things, there are steps you can take to improve your chances of advancing your career, even in these uncertain times.
• Speak up early: Does your manager know you believe you are ready for a promotion this year? With everything going on, don’t let your interest in a promotion be something that gets lost in the shuffle. Ask what you would need to do to be considered for a promotion, and use subsequent meetings to update your supervisor on your progress toward those goals. Make sure your conversations and progress are documented throughout the performance year.
• Be specific: Confirm that your current role qualifies for a leveling up, or identify another role in the company you would like to prepare for. Ask for feedback from any mentors and company champions, and then share your ambition with your current manager, as appropriate. This clarity will allow you to close any skills gaps you may have and provide a springboard from which to take on more responsibility or showcase your talents.
• Tune in, step up: Depending on your industry, the current economic environment may add extra complexity to your goal of a promotion. My advice: Actively listen and participate. This is not time to work through your email, play Fortnite or close out your tax returns while on remote business calls. Showcase your passion, engagement and enthusiasm, and read how your team and/or management are receiving your messaging. In-person interactions are still important, so be prepared to be on camera and have those “jazz hands” ready.
• Identify what your company rewards: Study what your enterprise rewards. Is it results? Customer satisfaction? Does it value quantity (of sales, patents or deliverables) or quality? Once you have identified what your company values, look for ways to showcase your accomplishments in those areas. The goal is to be noticed in a positive way, so subtlety and purpose will win the day. Do not wear your ambition on your sleeve.
• Be realistic: If your company is in an industry that is furloughing or laying off employees, or if hiring is frozen or the company is forecasting a financial loss, obviously it’s time to reassess your promotion timeline. Initiate a conversation with your manager about how you can be of the most help to the company at this time. This level of self-awareness and company spirit is itself an important leadership quality and could well pay off in the end.
In any economic climate, businesses will still aspire to growth. Responsible promotion opportunities will still be available. So even though you may be remote, the most important things you can do to advance your career are within your power: maintain visibility, and showcase your worth.
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