To get a promotion, first, assess your abilities and energy. Some might say, “If I were in that position, I could do it excellently.” But in reality, this isn’t always the case. It’s not just about whether your work skills are up to the job, but also about your stamina, and your psychological resilience to the responsibility and pressure that come with the position. As a regular employee promoted to a higher role, you’ll need to manage both upwards and downwards, facing demands or even criticisms from all sides. You’ll find that not only is the boss hard to please, but subordinates are not easy to handle either. You might already feel the pressure from various sources during the competition for promotion. Therefore, leadership isn’t for everyone. Instead of fighting hard to get promoted only to be demoted for incompetence, it’s better to remain a diligent employee, or hone your skills for a better opportunity later.
Next, earn your boss’s trust. A successful promotion means being granted leadership authority, having more influence, and opportunities to participate in corporate decision-making. Generally, people “use only those they trust,” and bosses won’t easily entrust important roles to those they doubt. Thus, the boss’s trust is key to a successful promotion. This trust encompasses trust in your work capabilities and personal loyalty, which doesn’t form overnight but requires consistent performance in daily work. Besides work performance, your demeanor, attire, and overall behavior also significantly influence the boss’s impression. If you frequently complain or show discontent, it’s difficult to gain the boss’s trust.
