Ways to Land that Senior Position at Work

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

 

Introduction

We know what you’re going through. You’ve been passed over for that promotion again.

Your skills are valuable, and you would think that you’d be the first one to be considered for a senior role.

But, it just doesn’t seem to be happening.

The suits don’t understand what you do around your cubicle, and despite your glowing reviews, you feel stuck. Meanwhile, the new guy is up there enjoying a corner office with a view.

…If only you knew how to get to the top! Here are some recommended tips for advancement

 

Don’t wait for the title, be a leader now

The senior role is yours for the taking if you set the right things in motion. Start acting like a leader; don’t wait for the title.

Don’t wait to be told what to do. Find out what needs to be done within your organization and think strategically.

Don’t report problems to your boss, report solutions and achievements

 

Focus on growth

When you encounter hiccups in your line of work, come up with creative strategies to address the issues.

Work collaboratively with your colleagues and provide a clear vision that helps them and you to attain whatever goals you need to reach.

If you are convinced that there are better ways of doing your job more efficiently, test those approaches, and present them as a proven solution.

It proves your maturity in leadership and decision making.

 

Raise the bar in quality

Always go beyond the call of duty. Make it a habit to deliver more, to work not only in the business but also on the business.

Working in the business refers to your day to day activities as defined in your duties and responsibilities.

Working on the business refers to innovation, new strategies, and solutions for those challenges that obstruct growth and development.

Become an over-achiever, and you will realize that the road to the top is fast and not so complicated. Start by enhancing your skills and improving your business acumen.

Also, embrace data and its benefits in decision making and quality assurance. The more you can do with accuracy and reliability, the more valuable you become to the organization.

More responsibilities only go to those who can handle it.

 

Stay on the cutting edge

Better leaders have a deeper understanding of business processes. They can articulate strategies, measure performance, and inspire teams.

Gaining these abilities may require you to take a new course to improve your technical or soft skills.

Consider certification programs that equip you with practical solutions for the business challenges in your organization.

Look for opportunities to enhance your data proficiency as well. Tie it up with communication and leadership training by attending seminars and networking conventions.

 

Volunteer to stand out from the rest

Your colleagues, just like you, are eyeing that next promotion. It’s critical for you to stand out. One way to achieve that is by volunteering for duties that fall outside your job description.

Don’t wait to be asked, put up your hand for extra work.

Handle these projects successfully and prove to senior management that you are ready. Get the job done expertly and on time. That’s how you get noticed.

 

Take responsibility for what goes wrong

Your mission here is to paint yourself as efficient, accurate, and smart. But take on many projects, and soon one will blow up in your face.

Are you ready to take the blame when that happens, or will you point the finger to your colleagues?

 

Show that you are comfortable being uncomfortable

As a team leader, you should take responsibility whether the mistake is yours or not. As opposed to finding out who is to blame, get to the root cause of the problem, and devise strategic solutions.

At such times, key persons will be looking at your problem-solving skills and your ability to turn around failure into success.

 

Manage with fact-based feedback

Senior roles are not for the timid. You can complain about the boss that micromanages or plays favorites, or you can be the solution that your organization needs around that boss.

Have strong opinions and express them the right way, regardless of whose toes you step on.

Most employees fear getting axed if they disagree with their bosses. Career experts will tell you one thing– you don’t get ahead by sugar coating.

Now that you are confident of your worth and your decisions are evidence-based, stand up for what you believe.

 

Get on board…even when you don’t like it

You have shown that you are principled. Good. Now show that you can get in line even when it’s not in your best interest.

Despite all logic and evidence, sometimes company decisions favor old paths.

When such decisions are made, and bureaucracy wins, you will have to get in line and figure out how to solve possible risks from that standpoint.

 

Become the go-to person

How can you be the most sought-after employee? Sharpen your skills through continuous education.

Learn everything there is to know about your company and its processes, not just what your department does.

Stay committed to the success of the company and your co-workers.

 

Strengthen your industry connections

Networking with the right people may help to keep your skills sharp. Through your connections, you will be the first to learn of changes.

You can reap similar benefits by investing in certification programs that sharpen your abilities on various matters such as; best practices, compliance, and ethics.

 

Document your achievements

When it’s time to ask for a promotion, your superiors will want to know what value you have brought to the business. Don’t assume they know.

Have a ready-built portfolio when you walk into that interview room.

Make it a habit to document everything that you accomplish in your organization, focusing on the ones that significantly improved the company’s bottom line.

 

Demonstrate that you are goal-oriented

It’s not enough to be an efficient employee. Show your employer that you have career and personal goals that you are keen on achieving as well.

An excellent boss will help you grow by giving you opportunities for growth.

You may be passed over for the new role because you haven’t yet demonstrated just how much you want it.

 

Become a better team player

Today’s businesses need fresh approaches. The business environment is radically transforming, with new strategies and solutions being high in demand.

The right leader can work cohesively with everyone, both up and down the ladder.

Breaking the silos between management and employees inspires creativity and innovation. It soothes management and bolsters employee loyalty.

The road to being that type of a leader starts now.

Focus on the team.

 

Never miss a deadline

Accomplishing your projects on time will improve all relationships- internal and external. Doing so within budget will make you an admirable individual.

Professionals that never try to improve efficiency when it comes to time and money always find themselves lagging behind.

 

Transfer your knowledge

Have a new qualification to your name? That’s impressive. Your new MBA or FRM qualification probably makes you super-efficient and an indispensable resource in your organization.

Remember, therefore, that senior leadership will expect much more from you.

Training your fellow employees is a sure path to career advancement. It could be through a webinar, a lunch, or a ten-minute presentation Friday evening on compliance, ethics or current affairs.

Choose a topic that could have the biggest impact on business performance.

 

Show pride and passion in your work

Every new project should be a chance for you to demonstrate intelligence, diligence, and competence. Take that chance to help your organization save money and outpace the competition.

Take that chance to help your colleagues grow and achieve success.

This level of passion demonstrates your investment in the success of your organization. It designates an individual that can be trusted with broader responsibilities.

 

Show that you can attract and nurture talent

You can steer efficiency in the organization by recommending top talent to the HR department. That underscores the need for active participation in your network.

If you spot a highly talented individual, make the recommendation and convince them to join your organization. Nurture these individuals to fit in and be productive employees.

Attracting and growing talent is a skill that will not go unnoticed by your employer.

 

Study promotion patterns

Are there certain traits or trends that your organization follows in senior-level promotion?

Find out by paying attention to the new leaders that your company hires from within or outside.

Look at their personality traits and achievements.

This inspection will give you a sense of direction in your career advancement strategy.

Next time when you interact with your boss, ask what it would take for you to land a senior role. This shows your boss that you are determined to do more.

Do exactly as they say to help your chances of getting the promotion next time.

 

Summary

The above career advancement methods and techniques have proven effective for many employees eyeing senior leadership positions.

Customize, execute, and optimize them for even better results.

 

Thank You!

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