3 Ways to Get Promoted

How do I get promoted?’

Much of my life revolves around tackling this question with clients. But recently, Lauren Cooney broke it down efficiently over my new favorite platform: Twitter.

Basically, you have internal buy-in from managers or others in your network, or you search for greener pastures. In my experience, I have to agree, particularly with the conclusion that being great at your job will somehow translate to rewards. Recognition - a pat on the back, a round of applause at the deal signing or a toast at the company picnic, but not necessarily reward. And not leadership status.

In my work with clients who choose to move up within their companies, I spend a lot of time clarifying what internal position & projects best build their skills & expertise to set them up for their 5 year career goals. Then, over time we strategically cultivate that internal network until they are poised for world domination.

Easy, right?

Ha.

But I came across an interesting rule of thumb when it comes to cultivating those champions, courtesy of the absurdly accomplished and wise Carla Harris, Vice Chairman, Managing Director, and Senior Client Advisor at Morgan Stanley, whose book, Expect to Win is required reading for anyone attempting to scale the corporate ladder.

2 types of personalities in the workplace

One is the political maniac, and the other is the workhorse.

The political maniacs are the ones with outstanding political skills. They understand how to attract, nurture, and work the right relationships in an organization for their gain. 

The second type is the workhorse. They are the ones who follow the rules, work very hard, focus on acquiring key skills, apply them, and then ascend throughout the organization on the merit of what they do rather than who they know. They work more hours than others and are detail-oriented, extremely smart, and reliable.

So, are you a political maniac or a workhorse?

According to Harris, knowing this is critical to figuring out who to align yourself with. Because “People tend to value and reward traits that are similar to theirs.” 

That means, if you’re a workhorse, cozying up to a political maniac may not yield the reward you’re looking for and vice versa.

This may not unlock SVP ASAP, but it may help you think about who to invest in.