Questions To Ask Before Your Next Promotion

Are you dreaming of a promotion to a manager role? Don't wait until it's offered to you to start preparing. Like most things, the more prepared you are, the more you can set yourself up for success. 

Getting ready ahead of time can give you a competitive edge and increase your chances of landing the position when it becomes available. In this blog article, we'll share some questions you should ask yourself now to prepare for a future management role. 

So, whether you're just starting or have been eyeing a manager position for a while, it's never too early to begin preparing. Read on to discover how you can make your promotion dreams a reality. 

When should I start preparing for my next promotion? 

While everyone’s situation is different, if you have been in a role for approximately two years, you’re likely getting ready for that next step. 

It’s worth noting that moving into a new role does not necessarily mean that you will be managing people. You may move into a more strategic position or operate at a different level. Perhaps you will provide more tactical insights on projects instead of simply implementing them. 

It's essential to keep an open mind about your new role and embrace the opportunity to develop new skills and knowledge. While managing people is a common next step for many professionals, you could take numerous other paths in your career journey. 

What is your manager looking for before promoting you?

The job market has changed, and the subsequent promotion is not necessarily a given. You need to articulate and demonstrate specifically why you are suited for the next step in your career. 

It is essential to communicate your career aspirations to your manager and seek feedback on how you can improve your skills and performance. Use regular one-on-one meetings to discuss your progress and goals, and ask for constructive feedback on how you can continue to develop as a leader. 

Of course, your manager will not hand you a pre-promotion checklist. It is vital that you show up to these conversations looking for feedback while still taking ownership of your career development and providing input. Actively seeking growth opportunities will not only show your manager that you're serious about taking on a leadership role but that you are willing to work to get there.

Simply put, you must advocate for yourself and articulate that you are demonstrating leadership capabilities within your current role. 

Have I been demonstrating leadership capabilities?

How can you demonstrate that you are ready for the next step in your career? Let’s consider a few ways. 

Shift your mindset. 

At this point, you are likely comfortable in your role and can efficiently complete the tasks within your position. However, to move to the next level, you will need to shift your mindset. 

I recommend you start looking for ways to find time to think more strategically. Since you better understand what is required in your role, perhaps you’ve found ways to streamline your processes or be more expedient. Take that time that you’ve saved and use it strategically. 

Look at the team as a whole.

For some of my clients, it meant supporting more junior people on your team. Maybe it means looking outside your own role and considering the overall team’s goals. By investing in the growth and success of those around you, you demonstrate a commitment to the team's overall success and show your manager that you have the potential to lead effectively.

Look outside your comfort zone.

It could involve taking a more strategic approach to your work, identifying opportunities for improvement, and proposing innovative solutions that benefit the team as a whole. By showing a willingness to step outside your comfort zone and work towards the bigger picture, you demonstrate that you have the potential to be an effective leader in the organization.

What does this promotion mean for you? 

Considering your career growth means taking the time to reflect on your overall goals. You should evaluate how this new role fits into your broader career path in the short and long term. This could involve asking yourself questions like:

• What are my career goals, and how does this promotion fit?

• What skills or experiences do I hope to gain in this new role?

• What impact do I expect to have in this new role and the organization as a whole?

By taking a deliberate approach to your career, you can ensure that each new opportunity aligns with your goals and moves you closer to your desired outcomes. It can also help you feel confident as you move forward, knowing that you are in the driver’s seat of your career. 

Preparing for the next step with Base Pace Coaching

Taking on a new management role can be a challenging and rewarding experience. However, it can also be overwhelming, particularly for those new to leadership positions. 

That's where Base Pace Coaching comes in. Working with a professional coach can help you develop the skills and strategies you need to succeed in your new role, from building solid relationships with team members to managing conflicts effectively.

Book a call today to learn more about how we can work together.