Promotions

I read a column today - Ask Annie on CNN talking about losing out on a promotion to an external candidate.

http://money.cnn.com/2007/04/02/news/economy/promotion.fortune/index.htm?postversion=2007040306



I think Annie missed some points on the psychology of promotions and why it can sometimes be a challenge to get promoted internally.

Hiring managers may be more motivated by risk avoidance than anything else. If they have someone who has been performing well in a job, and they promote that person, there is some risk of failure in the new role. Plus they have to hire someone new to replace that person, and there is a risk there. So they are essentially taking on 2 risks. If they leave the current person in the role, and hire someone from outside for the promotion, they may perceive they are only taking one risk, the new hire.

To position yourself for promotion, you not only need to perform well, you need to help your boss minimize the perceived risk of moving you up. That means taking every opportunity to perform the tasks required at the new position before being promoted, however that can be accomplished. It also means diplomatically making him or her aware that there is a risk of not promoting you, and that you could be prepared to leave. This is a very delicate process and needs to be done subtly, by making yourself and your capabilities known, participating in professional groups, and making sure that your skills are sought after by outside organizations. This cannot be an 'in your face' 'promote me or I'm leaving' type approach.

If you are not being approached at least from time to time for promotion opportunities outside your current org, then it's questionable how 'promotable' you really are.

You also need to adopt a posture of managing and leading and indicate your willingness and ability to mentor someone into your old role, from within, or without.

If you are simply doing your job and waiting around to be rewarded, you are setting yourself up for disappointment. Career management, networking, etc are all active tasks that need to be conducted continuously, not just thrown into high gear when an attractive new opportunity opens up.