Career Crossroads Coaching – Am I ready for promotion?

“Am I ready for promotion?”

At this time of year many organisations are setting new business and development objectives for staff. And as people prepare for these objective setting discussions, this question about whether we are ready for, or want a promotion, is a question many people consider with a degree of trepidation.

But in our experience, this should be considered as a multi-layered question.

The first step for any Career Crossroads Coaching is to check-in with yourself and ask how you’re really feeling.

Step One

🔹Are you simply marking time? (Do you feel as though you’re treading water, waiting for something to happen?)
🔹Are you too comfortable? And do you see promotion as a way to stretch you and fulfil you more?
🔹Are you waiting for someone to give you permission to move?
🔹Are you feeling excitement, hesitation or guilt at how a potential promotion may impact your family or your energy?
🔹Are you feeling stuck or undervalued?

Sometimes, recognising these emotions for what they are can be challenging and this is where Irene Poku MSc PCC, one of our Career Crossroads Coaching specialists, recommends using an Obstacles Grid to help. An Obstacles Grid helps people name and understand the emotional and practical obstacles that make them feel stuck, enabling them to move forward.

Step Two

We then follow this up with the more practical considerations of promotion within your organisation.
🔹Are you clear how your organisation determines and assesses readiness for promotion?
🔹What would the first step be if you wanted to progress in your organisation?
🔹What does the promotions process look like where you work?
🔹Knowing who to discuss this with can be key – who needs to know you’re ready? Who are the influencers of a promotion for you? And who influences them?
🔹What support would help you take that step?

In high-pressure roles, a promotion often involves lengthy processes and hoops to jump through. Don’t let this process doesn’t become a blocker – by exploring it and mapping it out, individuals can effectively navigate a way forward, one step at a time.

And remember – the next move doesn’t have to be upwards. Sometimes a sideways move leads to better satisfaction than climbing directly.

Most importantly, don’t live with quiet dissatisfaction and don’t assume you have no options due to financial obligations or other responsibilities. You have more agency than you think.

If you’d like to explore how the support of Mastering Mindsets Career Crossroads Coaching team could help you with your next move, do please get in touch.