How to Jump on the Fast Tract Toward Promotion

This doesn’t affect the tips and suggestions noted below, but it may affect the “speed” of the fast track you take. In worst case situations, you’ll have the ammunition you need to get on the fast track of another employer. So, you’ll win anyway. Isn’t that comforting? Your career and the face you see in the mirror will thank you.

Some Valuable Suggestions to Get That Promotion Faster

The primary factor you must understand: The most important component and person involved in getting you the promotion you want is your boss. Your immediate supervisor has the most influence in your recognition and communication of performance to those making promotion decisions. Therefore, the most valuable suggestions are those that help you make a “statement” to your boss that puts you on the fast tract to promotion.

• Shrink your supervisor's work demands. If this sounds like you should do part of his/her job, you’re right. Volunteer to take on one or more tasks your boss must accomplish on a regular basis. This technique accomplishes not one, but two goals for you. First, you’re making his/her job easier, always appreciated by any employee. Second, you will show that you can handle additional responsibilities at a higher level, while still completing your own job duties efficiently. You’re on your way to superstar status.
  
  
• Eliminate annoyances, hassles, and problems your boss faces. Everyone faces issues on a regular basis that upset the harmony in the workplace. Just as you and your co-workers must face and deal with these, your supervisor has the same issues, interrupting his/her work flow on a daily basis. Become an angel of mercy, and, whenever possible, be proactive to eliminate these hassles for your boss. Your supervisor will be more appreciative than they could possibly express to you.
  
  
• Proactively prevent some problems your supervisor typically needs to resolve. While it’s impossible to anticipate every new issue that you or your boss may face, there are times that, by doing your homework, you can see a problem coming. When this occurs, take action (without being asked) to prevent the problem from ever reaching your supervisor’s desk. This action plan displays your initiative, concern for your boss, and ability to diffuse a potentially problematic situation before it occurs.
  
  
• Give the impression that you are there to help, not to usurp your supervisor’s authority. This is critical to your fast track ride. Avoid being overbearing or intrusive. Your boss must be clear that you are voluntarily helping him/her to achieve success, not trying to take their job.
  
  
• Learn your boss’s job and personality as thoroughly as possible. Understanding their responsibilities and personality should give you enough information to be valuable to your supervisor. You should learn what limits on assistance your boss will allow, without thinking you’re trying to do his/her job. Become an expert on how they react to stress, problems, and annoyances. It’s acceptable if they react badly to these situations, as long as they don’t react similarly to your help.