Wednesday, January 13, 2010

How to position yourself for promotion

Hi Win,

Thought I'd share the latest with you. Earlier this week, I spoke to ****, and their hiring needs have changed. In tandem, I'm practically now officially part of Tom’'s team starting in 2010, which is great since it's better for me but not great since it's not really changing my salary or level (e.g., no promotion).

In the end, I think it's working out all right. It would have been great to have leverage, but it would have also been really weird since people are still congratulating me, etc. I think I need to be in the position for at least three months, and I feel a lot more primed to think about and prepare for my next position than when I got a little caught off guard when ****reached out to me.

Anyway, let's reconnect late Jan. I'm a little tired thinking about these things, and I really don't feel comfortable doing anything major while I'm so new in my position.
Sarah

I am glad you no longer have to choose, Sarah. And I agree that feeling like you are disloyal is not a good way to live your life. I would recommend keeping your eyes open and see what it takes to be promoted (types of work, consistency, navigating politics, making clients happy in a certain way, etc.). You may also ask, but it is good to have some ideas before you do, and see how you can get in a position to deliver those results.
Happy to talk when you are ready,
Win