Make this one mistake at work and it will cost you a promotion
Of course you want to take a step up this year. A spot higher in the rankings. A bit more prestige, a little more salary – a promotion. But what is that mistake that everyone makes? It costs you a promotion, it turns out.
And you are certainly not the only one who is doing it wrong. Especially if you have a relatively new job, poor communication with your supervisor can be a turning point. If you do your job excellently, but no one sees or knows it: how will you ever get ahead? How do you get more appreciation for everything you do while you do it quietly? You don’t. That’s just how life works. It may not be what you want to hear, but being a little extra nice to your boss can’t hurt. No, sucking up until you drop is not necessary. We think that’s silly too. But showing yourself a bit, walking past her office, having a chat, asking how her house/kids/husband/work/garden is going, is also allowed. Just a bit of genuine interest, share a little about yourself and hop, back to work.
Look, communication is everything. If you are really good at what you do, you don’t immediately stand out. Painful, but that’s how it goes in work and business. Go to that work party, join that boring dinner, don’t miss a meeting. Colleagues and supervisors can interpret a lack of communication as disinterest, arrogance, or unreliability. This harms your professional reputation and reduces the chance that you will be considered for a higher position. So take it professionally from now on. Make sure your messages are clear and to the point, so there is no room for misinterpretation.
Pay attention to what others say and ask extra questions if necessary. Asking questions is always allowed, it comes across as intelligent. And perhaps the most difficult, but the most important if you want more in your career: ask what can be improved. Be open to constructive criticism and encourage others to give feedback, so communication can continuously improve. And then we are sure that by the end of this year you will have a wonderful performance review.
Image: Devil Wears Prada
