The Politics of Getting Promoted

I am sure you have seen or heard it before; someone being passed over for a promotion or advancement and instead having it go to someone less qualified. In a perfect world, when a job opening became available, the most qualified person would always get it, but we know that is not always the case. There are times when an unlikely candidate (in our eyes) can swoop in and land that position, and times when you scratch your head wondering how you got passed over again.

One of the biggest things that you as an employee can do when considering job advancement or promotions, is to consider them an entitlement. Just because you think you are doing a great job in your current position, and that you meet the qualifications and needs of the new position, it does not necessarily equate to you getting or being entitled to get it, and assuming it does is a mistake you can't afford to make.

Doing your job, doing it well, or even doing it excellently, does not entitle you to be advanced, but it helps to qualify you to be a candidate to do so. Being qualified puts you into the area where job advancement happens, but now you come face-to-face with the politics of advancement, which tend to be present in most companies. These politics are the other factors that play a part in the determination of who gets promoted. Sometimes, sadly, the old "it's all about who you know" can be a part of this, but there can be many determining factors that play a part. Lets take a look at some of these factors that are often a part of the process:

Dependability - You get the job done, but are you dependable in all tasks asked? If there are deadline, do you meet them consistently? Are you getting the job done without constantly being asked, pushed, or watched? Dependability is a high mark, and can be that point that pushes you into a new position over someone with equal skills and less dependability.

Team Player - You may be one of the highest performing employees in the company, but how are your people skills? How well do you work with others? How would others describe working with you? Are you an asset to those around you, or an irritant with an attitude, that others avoid? Your people skills are a major factor in the promotion process.

Leadership - Similar in a way to the above mentioned people skills, do you portray a level of confidence and leadership to those around you? Do others see you as a go-to person when an issue arises? Are you able to provide solid advice that is beneficial to those around you? Do you embody the traits of an ideal leader - a high ethical standard, fairness, confidence, and professionalism? Is your work space well kept and organized, or are you sporting a real mess? All of these things are a sign of a strong leader, and adds a positive boost to your potential to be promoted.

So, take a look at yourself, and see if you are promotable material, or if you have some areas to get in line to make yourself an even better candidate.

Jeff McCormack resides in Virginia Beach, VA. where he works as a web designer by day. In his off time he is a husband, father, mail order book store manager, and musician. Aside from being a freelance writer for this Utilities Jobsite blog, he also seeks to assist in career choices and information by contributing to other Nexxt blog sites.