New Assignments: Development, Rotation, Promotion

It can be easy to get caught in a trap thinking that by putting your head down and doing a good job that you’ll naturally be noticed by your boss and upper management, and that before long, that promotion you desire will just happen.  I mean surely others see how well you’re doing your job and naturally will just want to promote you to the next position….won’t they?

While it is possible that could happen at some point in your career, in my experience it’s more likely that you’ll need to map out and drive towards your career progression. This includes taking on development experiences and usually some broadening roles to round out your skill sets and prepare you to take on and be successful in that next level opportunity. 

For example, you may be exceptional in your current role having mastered the skills required to succeed and consistently achieving high performance ratings as a result.  It’s clear that you are very good at what you do and that you are a strong contributor to the team.  However, are you also demonstrating that you can go beyond what’s required in your role to gain skills that position you for other, more significant roles?  Perhaps you’re skilled as a technician and provide great support to your customers.  Are you able to coach some of your lesser skilled peers so they become more effective at the job?  Have you reached out to your customers outside your normal support activities to better anticipate their future needs and how you and your team can better serve them?  Have you initiated any natural project teams with partner groups to improve your collective work processes?

These may sound like areas that are above and beyond your job description, or frankly out of scope of your objectives.  While that may be true, they are examples of how you can develop new skills while in your current position and how you can showcase your broader capabilities to your supervisor and other leaders.

I would strongly suggest that if you do aspire to such in role development, you share your aspirations with your supervisor as well as possible growth areas such as these to ensure alignment and agreement with the development path.  It is highly possible that he/she will suggest other areas of training or even new projects that could provide the development they believe will better position you for the future or have a higher return to the business. 

Don’t be surprised either if taking on a rotational assignment is suggested to gain the required learnings. A rotational assignment is typically a position at the same level you currently hold, but which offers new areas of focus leading to enhancing your skills and broadening your horizons.  While this may seem disappointing at first especially if you believe you deserve a promotion now, I’d suggest you seriously consider the option.  Not only is it likely you will gain new insights and skills, but you’ll demonstrate to leadership that you’re willing to learn and do what’s required to be a future leader, including moving to a position where you are not an expert.  With a little patience and perseverance, I suspect it won’t be long before you’re performing well and that promotion comes your way after all.

So in summary, while doing a great job in your current position is often table stakes for advancement, share your broader aspirations with your supervisor and gain concurrence on a development plan.  Seek out opportunities to demonstrate growth in your current role or beyond it.  If you have the opportunity for a development experience or even a rotational assignment, take it and knock it out of the park in that role too. 

Have you had similar experiences as you advanced in your career or maybe helped someone else with their journey?  I’d love to hear your experience and insights.

Until next time, Steve.