Many times companies fill executive and management positions from outside the company and not promote from within. They are convinced that their chances of success rests with “new blood” hires. Fresh perspectives and action items are the elements they are looking for. These outside hires are not labeled with past issues and same thinking stereotyping. So much for getting promoted from within.

In an ideal world a company should have a pool of good employees they can chose from for promotions. Unfortunately, somewhere during the initial hiring and looking for people to promote, the hiring executive or manager now doesn’t see these same employees with any promotional value. Many times not even considering them at all.

How do you make sure your getting promoted within the company?

I think at some level we all feel that upper managers should just know what a fantastic job we are doing. I mean seriously, they don’t see your early morning arrivals and late departures? The positive interaction with everyone you meet and projects getting done in a timely manner if not early? They don’t miraculously know you have a desire to become a manager or be promoted to the next executive position?

The reality is they don’t. They are wrapped up in their own position and responsibilities and feel your work achievements are what you should be doing anyways. So… what do you do?

Make them aware and be prepared!

“Intelligence, knowledge or experience are important and might get you a job, but strong communication skills are what will get you promoted.” – Mireille Guiliano

Make an appointment to discuss your future company growth with the upper manager you want to get promoted under. This could be as high as the CEO or President. The position may not be open currently. DO NOT badmouth the current manager in this position. Simply state that if this position becomes available, or one like it, you want to be considered. And then tell them why.

You will need to bring something “else” to the table. You need to present fresh ideas on how you would take the desired position to the next level. Do your homework. You have an advantage over the outside hire as you have the inside information they don’t. They have to best guess on how they could improve things.

Not getting promoted can be demoralizing.

“The beauty is that through disappointment you can gain clarity, and with clarity comes conviction and true originality.” – Conan O’Brien

Even though you made your intentions clear you may still get passed over. In this case don’t become a victim. Go to that hiring manager and ask them why that happened. While this is an ego buster there is a lot that can be learned by you for your next opportunity. If you continue to proactively let others know your intentions you will get the next promotion earned. At the very least you will considered.

Chris Lott

Chris has over 15 year’s Sales Management experience including Business Ownership, Product Management and Web Design/Marketing. He’s a national sales team strategist and trainer. Chris is the designer of the popular totallysales™ sales playbook with thousands of copies downloaded. He’s a nationally syndicated author with his articles on SalesBlog! rated as a “top must-read” on consultative selling.