Why High Performers DON'T Get Promoted & What You Can Do About It

Summary

This video addresses why high performers often struggle to get promoted and offers practical advice on overcoming this challenge. It explains that being indispensable can prevent promotions, as companies hesitate to lose top talent. Additionally, high performers often remain in individual contributor roles, lacking the leadership traits sought in management positions. The video provides five actionable strategies, including being strategic, reframing expectations, seeking sponsors, asserting strong opinions, and asking for what you want. These tips aim to help high performers demonstrate their potential and secure promotions in the workplace.

Takeaways

• 💼 High performers often work harder and produce faster, more thorough results, yet still struggle with promotions.
• 😕 One reason high performers aren't promoted is because their companies can't afford to lose them, as they are seen as indispensable in their current roles.
• 🔒 High performers may be stuck in their position because they are viewed only as individual contributors rather than potential managers or leaders.
• 🎯 To get promoted, high performers need to demonstrate strategic skills, taking on tasks that align with the requirements of the next level in their career.
• 👥 High performers should display leadership qualities, such as mentoring and managing projects, to show their boss they are ready for management roles.
• 🚀 Reframing expectations is key—challenging how others perceive your role and potential can position you better for advancement.
• 🤝 Finding a sponsor, someone who can advocate for your promotion, is critical in larger and smaller organizations alike.
• 🗣 High potentials must assert a strong, well-communicated point of view, demonstrating leadership through influence and persuasion, while aligning with team goals.
• 📢 Asking for what you want, whether it's a promotion, visibility, or more resources, is essential. High performers who don't speak up may be overlooked.
• 💡 High performers need to think beyond their current job tasks and proactively seek out opportunities to demonstrate management potential to secure future promotions.

Q & A

Why do high performers often struggle to get promoted?

High performers may not get promoted because they become indispensable in their current role, making it difficult for their company to replace them. Additionally, they might focus solely on individual contribution, lacking management and leadership skills that are valued for promotions.

How does being indispensable to a team affect a high performer's chances of promotion?

Being indispensable can work against a high performer because their boss may find it easier to keep them in their current role rather than spending time and resources finding and training a replacement.

What mindset are we typically taught in formal education, and how does it conflict with career progression in the workplace?

In formal education, we are taught to strive to be the best, outperform competition, and please superiors. However, in the workplace, simply excelling at tasks isn’t enough for promotion, as leadership potential and strategic skills are also crucial.

What does it mean to be 'stuck as an individual contributor'?

Being stuck as an individual contributor means excelling in specific tasks but not venturing into areas that demonstrate leadership or management capabilities, which are essential for promotions.

What are some key skills and behaviors necessary to show leadership potential for a promotion?

To show leadership potential, you need to demonstrate mentoring, supporting, and motivating others, project management, collaboration, organization skills, and creativity. These skills help signal readiness for higher responsibilities.

Why is it important to reframe expectations others have of you in the workplace?

Reframing expectations is essential because people form a fixed idea of your capabilities based on your past work. To be considered for promotion, you need to challenge these expectations by taking on higher-level duties and expanding your role.

How can seeking a sponsor help advance your career?

A sponsor can advocate for your promotion, guide your development, give you access to high-level projects, and introduce you to decision-makers. They play a more active role than a mentor in advancing your career.

What is the difference between working under the radar and having a strong point of view in the workplace?

Working under the radar means avoiding attention by keeping your head down, while having a strong point of view means confidently expressing opinions, even if they differ from others. The latter is crucial for being seen as a leader and standing out for promotion.

Why do many professionals hesitate to ask for what they want, such as promotions or pay raises?

Many professionals hesitate because they fear appearing needy or greedy, and they fear rejection. This fear can prevent them from asking for promotions, increased visibility, better benefits, or other resources they deserve.

How does asking for what you want contribute to career advancement?

Asking for what you want shows that you are proactive and assertive about your career goals. If you don’t express your ambitions, your boss may assume you’re content with your current status, which could hinder your chances of promotion.