Enough guides and then some have been written about what to do when you don’t get a promotion. Even we will write one! Sometimes, it does feel like having something to achieve is a much bigger driver than the act of actually accomplishing something.
Promotion is only just the beginning of a glorious new adventure. While you do spend time celebrating what you just achieved, remember that your new role needs a different skill set than the one you currently possess. Take time out to step up. These are the must-dos, you can add to this list and do something more as well. But these are the basics. Let’s get started.
1. Bask in the glory a bit
You’ve worked hard for the promotion, and you got it! Now, it is time to spend a minute in self-reflection and to appreciate yourself for seeing it through to its logical conclusion. We live in a world that’s critical of praising ourselves and instead emphasizes the importance of criticism and feedback. Right, they can all come in handy. However, praising yourself when the situation so demands helps to build a winner’s mindset. All successful people do it in ways big and small. They just don’t admit it.
2. Thank your pivots
These are the people who rooted for you and supported you on your journey. Professional, they include your teammates whom you may now be supervising, your mentors and of course your immediate superior. Every one of them has invested in your success and given you a chance to shine. Be sure to thank them sincerely by taking the time out to have a conversation. Needless to say, your pivots also exist outside of work in the form of family and friends who made allowances for you to succeed. Ensure that you reciprocate duly.
3. Warm your feet
A promotion is only just the beginning of a glorious new adventure. While you do spend time celebrating what you just achieved, remember that your new role needs a different skill set than the one you currently possess. Take time out to evaluate what you need to learn and make a list.
4. Invest in your people
If you have progressed into a supervisory role for the first time, know that skills like delegation, team management, and trust will play a key role. This article on being a good first-time manager can help if you’re wondering where to begin.
5. Make a workable action plan
A promotion is a reflection of the organization’s faith in you. Schedule time to speak to all of your functional heads to understand how you are expected to contribute to their success (which is also your success). If possible, set three specific goals for yourself based on their inputs and decide how much time you might need to see them through.
6. Consider your options
A promotion is also an excellent time to consider if the vertical you are in is right for you. Use this opportunity to explore other verticals and to see if a change of scenery might allow you to do something you’ve always wanted to. This is also a good time to explore company-sponsored learning opportunities and get that degree or certification you’ve been putting off.
7. Look at the bigger picture
How does this promotion figure in the grand scheme of things? Do you feel like this is the next logical step for you? Where do you see yourself in a decade- does this new step prepare you for your ambitions. If it doesn’t, then it is time to accept it as it is and move on. Harsh as it may seem, sometimes, it is okay to accept this situation and move on than to hold on to the perceived positives.
What other actions would you take upon receiving a promotion? Did you do all of these seven things after your recent promotion? Tell us in the comments.