4 Key Habits That Will Get You Promoted In 2019

By Perminus Wainaina

One of the most satisfying feelings around the workplace is getting a promotion. When considering whom to promote, there are several factors that leaders and managers look at.

You could be really good at your job, but when a promotion comes about in your organization, you’re passed over time and again.

Have you been working at the same position for years, yet someone with lesser experience gets promoted before you?

Do you give your best at work only to have your efforts go unnoticed?

Have you been the right candidate to receive a promotion yet someone else gets it?

What could be the problem and how can you remedy it? Working in the HR profession has enabled me to interact with a wide selection of colleagues and employers for over ten years. One aspect that stands out is habits of the colleagues who get promoted.

I would like to share with you four key habits you can easily incorporate at your workplace. The habits will not only further your chance of getting promoted, but they will also make you more efficient at your workplace and in life generally.

Here are the habits of workers who get promoted:

1. They work in departments that bring out their best

When interacting with colleagues and friends, I have seen some of them get dreary and depressed as they work in the wrong fields. I often see employees who follow the money instead of their passion.

If money is your major motivating factor, I have two shocking revelations for you; one, money will never be enough, and two, money alone will not make you happy.

While money is a good motivator, it is never a sustainable one.

On the other hand, I have also interacted with colleagues who went into the field they’re passionate about. These coworkers look forward to the next day and often give their best in each task assigned.

If passion is your motivator, you will be considered as hard working because you’re working to see the fruits of their labor manifest. If your drive is money, you’ll most likely be active when you’re about to be paid and just after you’ve been paid.

If you are working in a department that isn’t showing your strength and you’re not passionate about, consider taking the change. You can consult a professional career coach to help you get on the right career path.

2. They focus both on the big picture and daily assignments

Some employees only focus on their daily tasks. As long as they have done what is listed on their job description by 5 o’clock, they can clock out. There is nothing wrong with this mentality, if you follow it, you’ll likely still be employed twenty years from now –only you’ll be at the same level.

When looking at who to promote, managers not only look at who is performing best at their daily duties, they also look at who has the company’s bigger picture in mind.

If you want to get promoted, go beyond your daily tasks. Look at where your company wants to be in the next five or ten years, and look for ways to plug into this vision.

Quick Read >>> Get A Promotion Without Actually Asking For It With This 5 Tips

3. They pay attention to their bosses values

When considering who to promote, managers and employers will lean towards the employees who share their principles and beliefs.

Have you ever heard a boss say to his colleague “You remind me about myself at this age?” Watch out for such a colleague, they will likely shoot up the employment ladder.

If your boss has a high standard, continually look for ways to surpass his standards and he will surely notice your efforts.

While mirroring yourself against your boss’ values, remember to remain authentic.

Quick Read>>> 5 Proven Hacks to Obtaining a Promotion At Your Workplace

4. They work well with other employees

Look through your company and you’ll likely notice a coworker who gets along with everyone. While disagreements are common at the workplace, these workmates seem to glide over most communication and relationship barriers.

There’s a distinct difference between employees who get along with everyone, and those out to please everybody. The former takes time to develop relationships with other employees in their department and throughout the company, the latter simply want to go out of their way to try and make everybody happy.

Having people skills such as strong communication skills will help you interact with different employees, thereby understanding the various needs in different departments.

Getting a promotion is not only about earning more money, but it is also about job security, and most importantly, career advancements. Equipped with these skills you will be on your way to getting a promotion to your desired position.

What other habits do you think could secure you a promotion?

Perminus Wainaina is the C.E.O and Managing Partner at Corporate Staffing Services, a leading HR & Recruitment consultancy firm based in Westlands. Through personalized career coaching he assists mid-level and senior professionals get solutions to complex and challenging career issues that they are facing. Click here for more on career coaching.