How to Influence Your Manager and Win Promotions

1 article/video left!

log in or sign up to unlock 3 more articles/videos this month and explore our expert resources.

Automatic Summary

Maximizing Your Promotion Chances - A Guide from a Successful Business Coach

Hello you all, excited folks from Women Tech Global Conference 2023. I, a 'Greek dev turned designer turned design executive turned business coach', have the honor of speaking to an audience brimming with potential. The mission of my academy - 10 X Manager Academy is to assist people to become better managers.

My journey from being an individual contributor to a people manager was ridden with challenges, some of which I sought to document. There are many out there, already eager to take a leap from the former to the latter, might find the real-life lessons encapsulated here helpful.

Speaker at Women Tech Global Conference 2023

Interactions with Managers: Common Mistakes and Remedies

I have observed a series of recurring mistakes in the way people interact with their managers. We need to stop seeing them as hurdles on our way to achieving our career goals. So, let the air be clear of common misconceptions and communicating with managers a lot more seamless!

Communicate Openly and Transparently

Your manager isn't your therapist, and it's not their job to decipher your every emotion. Convey your thoughts and feelings clearly and regularly, without assuming what your managers should know or do. Make your manager understand your perspectives and ambitions rather than playing guessing games.

Prioritize One on One Meetings

One on one meetings with your manager should be given high importance. It is your opportunity to create a symbiotic relationship with your manager. Use these meetings to discuss critical conversations about your career developments.

Make the Most of Feedback

Besides asking for feedback, learn how to act on them. Understand your manager's feedback, apply it to your work, and ensure they see the difference it made. By doing this, the feedback loop achieves completion, showcasing your willingness to improve.

Be Upfront About Challenges

Struggling in silence, trying to be a hero, doesn't help; raising red flags about the challenges you're facing, especially potential delays, is the right approach. Your manager can then offer help before it's too late.

Make Your Work Visible to Others

Make your work and your challenges visible to your manager as well as your team. Normalize updates about your progress and setbacks. Showcasing your work can inspire others and can prevent unfortunate surprises during performance review seasons.

Accountability Matters

A two-way street, holding your manager accountable for their commitments to you, can work wonders. Offering to help them when they seem busy can also build a stronger professional relationship.

Adopt a Problem-Solving Attitude

Adopting a problem-solving attitude and suggesting new initiatives can dramatically increase your chances for a promotion. Your manager might remove any obstacles that deter you from solving problems.

Showcase Leadership beyond Formal Authority

Showcase leadership around things, you're passionate about, to get promotion. Companies promote those who demonstrate a clear progression in their skills. Begin acting at a senior level to increase your chances for promotion.

Set Boundaries and Protect Yourself

Ensure you let your manager know if they say something unproductive or hurtful – you’re the one responsible for drawing the professional line. This might be difficult, but you need to set these boundaries for your own growth.

A Word on Unsuccessful Promotion Attempts

After trying all this, you might still find yourself not getting the promotion you sought. But remember, unsuccessful promotion attempts are not necessarily a reflection on you. Maybe it's time to look for another job where your efforts will be appreciated. And always remember, you have grown during this process and that experience can never be wasted.

Endnote

Thank you for your time and attention. If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to contact me at hello at the 10 X manager dot academy. You can also visit my academy's website for more information or read my leadership newsletter.


Video Transcription

Read More