Who doesn’t want to move up in their career, right? Getting promoted isn’t always easy, but with the right approach, it can happen faster than you think. If you’re eager to get that well-deserved promotion, there are a few things you can do to stand out and make your boss notice your hard work. Here are 8 steps to help you get promoted faster!
Read more about Career
-
Master Your Current Role
For you to get promoted faster, you need to excel in the job you already have. That means going above and beyond what’s expected of you. Show your boss that you’ve mastered your responsibilities and are ready for more. If you’re always delivering high-quality work, meeting deadlines, and being dependable, your manager will start seeing you as someone who can handle more responsibility.
Tip: Don’t just focus on your tasks—be proactive. If you see an opportunity to help a colleague or improve a process, go for it! It shows initiative and leadership potential.
-
Build Strong Relationships
Being good at your job is important, but building relationships with your co-workers, supervisors, and other teams is equally valuable. People like to work with those they get along with. Being approachable, helpful, and a team player can make all the difference when it comes to getting noticed for a promotion.
Tip: Make time to network, both inside and outside of your company. Attend company events, ask co-workers to grab lunch, and get to know people from other departments. The more connected you are, the better your chances.
-
Take Initiative
Want to get promoted faster? Start thinking like a leader. Don’t just wait to be told what to do. Look for ways to improve the company, your department, or a project you’re working on. Suggest solutions to problems you’ve noticed or pitch new ideas that could help the business grow. Showing that you’re invested in the company’s success will get you noticed by those in charge.
Tip: Keep an eye out for any upcoming projects or areas where the company is struggling. Volunteer to help solve those problems or offer to lead initiatives where you can showcase your skills.
-
Communicate Your Goals
Your boss isn’t a mind reader. If you want a promotion, you need to communicate that. During performance reviews or regular check-ins, let your manager know that you’re eager to take on more responsibility and grow in the company. Ask for feedback on what you need to do to get to the next level.
Tip: Don’t just wait for formal meetings—bring it up in casual conversations too. Be direct but respectful about your career aspirations.
Sign up for the Connect Nigeria daily newsletter
-
Develop New Skills
To get promoted faster, you’ll need to continuously learn and grow. Take time to develop new skills that will make you more valuable to your company. Whether it’s learning a new software program, improving your public speaking, or taking a course in leadership, new skills can set you apart from your peers and show your boss that you’re serious about growing.
Tip: Ask your boss what skills would benefit the company or look for trends in your industry. Invest time in gaining expertise in those areas and let your boss know what you’re working on.
-
Be a Problem Solver
One of the quickest ways to get promoted is to be known as the person who solves problems. Whether it’s helping a colleague with an issue or coming up with a solution to a big challenge the company is facing, being the “go-to” person for solving problems shows that you’re ready for more responsibility.
Tip: Don’t just point out problems—bring solutions to the table. If you notice something isn’t working, think about how you can fix it and offer a plan.
-
Be Reliable and Consistent
Consistency is key. If you want to get promoted faster, you need to show that you can be relied on day in and day out. That means consistently meeting deadlines, producing great work, and staying positive, even during stressful times. When your boss knows they can count on you, they’re more likely to consider you for a promotion.
Tip: Avoid being that person who only shines during big projects. Bring the same level of focus and dedication to all your tasks, no matter how small.
-
Ask for More Responsibility
If you’ve mastered your current role and feel ready for more, don’t wait for your boss to hand it to you. Ask for more responsibility! This could mean taking on a leadership role in a project, mentoring new employees, or managing a new initiative. When you demonstrate that you can handle more responsibility without being overwhelmed, you are positioning yourself for a promotion.
Tip: Start small. If your boss gives you a new responsibility and you do well with it, they’re more likely to give you even more. Over time, you’ll build a track record of success that will make it hard for them to say no to promoting you.
Register to attend the CN Business Mixer
Final Thoughts
Getting promoted faster isn’t about luck—it’s about being intentional with your work, relationships, and goals. Master your current role, communicate your aspirations, and consistently show your boss that you’re ready for the next step. So, are you ready to take these steps and accelerate your career? Let’s get started!
Got a suggestion? Contact us: editor@connectnigeria.com
