Why am I overlooked for promotion?

This is a question that gets repeatedly asked. “I am successful, get good feedback, loved by my team, always deliver on time and within budget etc. Surely success breeds success and results in promotion or increased bonus etc… Why are more incompetent less successful colleagues getting promoted etc?”

As an Executive Coach I have heard variations of the above so many times usually with a lot of frustration and angst from my clients. I then, in the way of all coaches, ask my client why they think they are in that situation. The answer I usually get is: if I produce the results required, I will get noticed; I should not have to do any PR, my line manager has my back; my colleague who got promoted was really good at networking and ensuring they are on the radar of the CEO; etc.

Having been in this situation in my corporate career, I can appreciate the challenge, but as I say to anyone reluctant to engage in self-promotion or PR, START!

Ensure you are noticed by the people who can make an impact on your career. Be in the right place at the right time. Make sure your successes are celebrated not just by your team but by your boss and their boss. Two levels always!

Try to establish a mentor within the organisation who is a board member, someone who will adopt you and promote your successes within the organisation.

Whilst we are working in hybrid environments, it is more difficult to ensure you bump into people in the coffee room or by the watercooler. But it is your responsibility to promote your career, if you do not, no one else will. Remember sometimes, not always, a manager will retain and not promote because you are too good at your job, and they cannot or do not want to replace you. Look out for those hidden agendas. Do your research, find out when people who can promote you are in the office and ensure you are too; set up meetings even if they are just for coffee.

Being good at your job sometimes is not good enough!