I know that there must be many people out there who know that it is time to get their promotion and/or raise, but are too afraid to push the issue. Asking for a promotion is an awkward situation filled with anxiety and now is certainly no exception! Every day we hear about the tough economic times and how businesses are struggling. Who wants to go to their boss and ask for more when the boss has such a strong trump card? After all, your manager can easily say, “We just can’t afford it because of the economy.”
Please, don’t let this stop you from asking for what you deserve. Below are some excerpts from an email conversation I had with someone who attended one of my programs. She was asking for advice on how to effectively ask for a promotion.
She wrote me and asked: “A question I have is, how does one present themselves and be heard when asking for a promotion?…After a year of [working at my current position] by myself without any back up I spoke to [my boss] about my progress and trials. I asked about [the promotion he has promised] and he said I would be promoted but further down the road…then that will be as high as I can go in this department. Another year has gone by, and I have made it a successful department. The customers are happier, the coworkers are happier, and I have saved [the company] money. … I asked to speak [to him] about [the promotion] and, of course, there is an open door policy, but how can I really be heard this time?”
Here are some of the tips I gave her, plus a few extra:
1) Documentation: Put it in black and white. Bring documentation of all of your achievements. Prove to your boss that you are a valuable asset to the company. The woman who asked me this question mentioned that customers and co-workers are happier, put it on paper. Do you have a ranking system? If not, what have they said specifically? If it’s possible, get testimonial letters. Make sure your boss has something tangible to hold on to that lists all of your successes after you leave.
2) Make it formal: Even though her boss has an “open door policy”, this is not a subject that you want to drop in and discuss. Make an appointment to discuss the promotion. This is an important topic, make sure that the two of you have set aside enough time to thoroughly discuss it. That way you both a prepared.
3) WIIFT?: Remember, it’s not all about you. What’s In It For Them? Be sure to not only discuss you achievements but also provide information on what you hope to achieve in your new position. How will you help the company in achieving their goals? Are you restricted in your current position? What goals would you set for yourself in the new position? Remember, what are the benefits to them?
4) Be Confident: Don’t let your nerves get the best of you. Your nonverbal communication can speak volumes of how you really feel. If you are tapping your feet, hunched over, and talking in a quiet voice, your boss will know that you aren’t confident in yourself or in what your asking. Sit up straight, sit still, breathe, and keep your composure. It doesn’t hurt to do a few test rehearsals with your spouse or friends!
5) Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst: In case your boss says that the promotion won’t be happening at that time, then I would suggest that you, at that very moment, set another meeting in 6-9 months to revisit the discussion of your promotion. Then, ask your boss, “What specifically would you need to see from me in order to make this promotion possible?” During those 6-9 months, work on more achievements that you can add to your “promotion file” for your next meeting. Also, you need to prepare yourself by looking into other opportunities. I’m not saying prepare to leave your job, just yet! For you to feel more confident in your next meeting, you will want to know, in the back of your mind, whether you need this job or if there are other opportunities out there for you.
