Considerations

Many professionals hope to be promoted. And soon. They see the next level as a marker that shows they are progressing. The increased compensation and stature are nice, too. That said, sometimes, leaders hesitate promoting because some candidates just aren’t ready. So what are the unknown considerations for promotion that leaders use?

Initial Consideration

Obviously, technical competence is necessary for promotion. It is very difficult to advance someone who doesn’t know how to do the work. This includes experience. Have they served in the position long enough to gain the requisite knowledge and skills?

Once these questions have been accounted for, it doesn’t mean a candidate is prepared. There are other considerations that emerge when determining whether someone is ready to be promoted.

Other Considerations

As you consider your readiness for promotion, one consideration is whether you are working at level now. Just having the knowledge, skills and experience are not enough. You have to consistently demonstrate your competence. For instance, when I hear of senior managers still trying to figure out the delegation thing, that’s a problem. That skill should have already been learned. This problem is exacerbated when you are promoted because you will have to be responsible without being in control.

A second consideration is how you handle stress. Professional service is stressful, no question. The goal isn’t to eliminate stress, but to function in it. If you haven’t learned the skills of time and stress management, you are at a disadvantage to be promoted. Life at the next level will be more stressful, not less. And the stressors are more significant and intense because of the added responsibilities.

A third consideration for promotion is adaptability. Often, your schedule is little more than an illusion that you have everything under control. And if you are really delusional, you are taken aback when it explodes five minutes after you made it. Do you have any ability to flex in the midst of shifting sands? Or, instead of adapting, do you go nuclear or assume a fetal position?

Ask About Considerations

There are other considerations that your leaders consider, but these are the ones I hear about most. During your conversations, ask whether you are ready for promotion. You must be aware of their unknown considerations for promotion and hopefully you will hear the honest truth.