I got the promotion. How do I face its challenges?

Muovo prides itself in having placed several candidates. By ‘placing’, we mean finding the right job for a candidate, one which he or she accepts, finding the right candidate to meet the requirements (sometimes not all reachable) of the client, and finally arranging meetings between the two who eventually reach a mutual agreement.

As you might have noticed, it’s not an easy task, but, like any other employee who loves his or her job—it is highly rewarding. The following article, first published in Business Spotlight, deals with the overwhelming, yet exciting time when you finally get that promotion.

Before we start, we must say, Well done! Getting a promotion means that you have worked hard, and deserve the new title. However, and as you rightly know, a promotion brings with it a number of challenges. This is why you should find out the best way to handle these new challenges.

‘The first thing is, don’t panic’, advises career coach and author Jenny Ungless. ‘The fact of the matter is that you’ve been promoted because someone thinks you are capable’, Ungless told the Financial Times.

Look at the big picture, says executive coach Geraldine Gallacher. ‘It’s so tempting to end up drowning in the detail’, Gallacher explains. ‘You can get distracted by the newness of everything and forget to breathe, so it is vital to create space by looking above and beyond your immediate situation and remind yourself of your goals.’

As soon as possible, find out what your boss’s priorities are and what she or he expects from you, says Jenny Ungless. ‘Have a meeting to clarify what your line manager wants and what you’ll be measured on. For the first couple of weeks you have permission to ask stupid questions, so gather information and get as clear a picture as possible.’

'For the first few weeks, you can ask stupid questions', says Ungless.

Your boss may expect you to make changes, but don’t try to do too much at once, Gallacher advises. ‘When a company or a department is in a mess when you arrive, it’s vital to act fast but beware of making radical changes without really checking out your facts — which means you need to listen, although it may be “speed listening”.’

To be successful, you need the support of your team, Ungless says. ‘Talk to people and get their input. But make decisions, too. You want to be seen as not afraid to make decisions. People respect those who put themselves on the line.’

And do try to have a positive attitude, says business psychologist Jean Roberts. ‘I always tell people to recite the mantra: if you believe it will work, you’ll see opportunities; otherwise, you’ll see obstacles.’

Source

Posted in: