Employees who reach out to help others set themselves up for a promotion.
In difficult economic times, promotions can be harder to achieve. In better economic times, promotions are not guaranteed. In either situation, employees should cultivate the attributes that will help them succeed in the workplace. They should also dress professionally each day, according to the standards of their organization.
Interpersonal Qualities
Showing confidence gains you respect, and it could gain you a promotion. People show confidence through steady eye contact, firm handshakes, open body language and a relaxed tone of voice. Confidence helps your boss and coworkers to trust you and your abilities. Having a friendly disposition will benefit the entire workplace, creating a more harmonious and productive atmosphere. Honesty, fairness and flexibility are also extremely important qualities for success.
Actions
Reaching out beyond your job description, in ways that your boss approves of, will cause your superiors to appreciate you more. Plus, it increases your visibility, heightening your profile in your organization. Look for ways to expand the role you play in the organization. Reaching toward higher-level responsibilities helps, but it's not the only way. Also look sideways, toward ways to increase your knowledge and responsibility at the same level you're already on. Don't be afraid to assert that you can lend helpful feedback in a meeting of your superiors, too. Meeting deadlines and always being prompt for work and meetings also demonstrate your professionalism and reliability.
Reflections
Employees who reflect on how they can benefit the company, then share their ideas with their boss when asking for a promotion, are more likely to receive one, Eve Tahmincioglu says in "Get a Raise or Promotion in 2010" on MSNBC.com. Employees should generate concrete ideas about save their company money and better market the company, she says. Bringing in well-thought-out figures speaks to an employee's intelligence and work ethic.
Self-Motivating Qualities
Self-motivating qualities play a large role in helping employees get promotions. An employee who finds ways to make her work more interesting and creative will enjoy her job more and likely will succeed more. Feeling capable of overcoming challenges will keep an employee motivated too. Perhaps most important, employees who remain optimistic despite challenges and difficult economic times that can make promotions seem less feasible are more likely to stay motivated and to succeed.
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