You’ve polished your resume, delivered flawless responses to interview questions, and made an impeccable impression on the leadership in your organization.
You have no doubt that you are more than qualified for the promotion.
All that’s left is waiting for the texts and calls of congratulations.
So you wait. And wait. And wait.
Finally, your phone dings, but it’s an email. And, instead of the news you expected, you get a conciliatory note that feels more like an afterthought.
They passed you by for promotion again.
Nothing is more frustrating than seeing someone else land the promotion you’ve been vying for.
If you’ve worked in corporate long enough, you probably know this story by heart because you’ve seen it play out many times.
But, what you may not know is, that the promotion game begins well before you decide to add your name to the list of promotable candidates. In fact, it starts with the everyday actions you take with your team day to day.
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The leadership in your company is always watching from the sidelines. While they may not be players in the game, they know who’s making winning calls, who’s assisting others, and who steps up and leads the group.
That’s why if landing a promotion is at the top of your to-do list, you need a plan that positions you as a leader right now.
Over the next five weeks, I’ll share a series of posts that reveal my top tips to help you prepare for a promotion before the opening is even announced. These are the same strategies that I’ve used and shared with my private coaching clients, so I know they’re effective.
But before you do read on, you must begin the promotion process by setting an intention and committing to taking action toward the result you want every day. It all begins with you.
Action Step 1 – Embody Leadership
What does it mean to embody leadership? Well, take a moment and think about someone you admire and respect. What do they do that makes you look up to them? What characteristics do they have every day that inspire you?
Integrity? Kindness? Honesty? Loyalty?
Chances are they’re the ones who boldly take risks when everyone else holds back; they inspire courage in the face of fear; they know when to stand firm and when to be flexible. They probably also take time to connect and communicate with people from all levels of the organization.
There’s a reason you look up to them.
What would happen if you modeled their best qualities in your own life? How would you be different if you stopped saying, “I can’t, I shouldn’t, I won’t,” and you started saying “Yes. Let’s try! Let’s do it together!”
Women are FAR more capable than we give ourselves credit for. We don’t trust ourselves to step forward and lead. But, lead is exactly what we need to do. Why? Because when you embody leadership, people take note. You become the go-to person when a challenge pops up; others start looking to you to gauge their reactions and fears in new situations. They begin to expect you to guide the group because they trust you; you’ve earned it. You’ve become the obvious choice.
When you consistently make decisions about your work, your relationships, and your life from the mindset of leadership, and when you start thinking and behaving like the leader you truly are, a transformation takes place.
You become a leader by embodying leadership and leading — not the other way around. You don’t need the blessing of your organization’s decision-makers to embody leadership; you simply need to decide for yourself.
Leadership begins with YOU.
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Do you feel inspired to embody the characteristics of a leader in your own life? Ready to have an accountability partner to help make that happen? We should schedule a time to talk. Email me at: support@womenignitingchange.com.