How To Get Promoted. What Have I Learned?

Secretly we all want to grow.

It’s obvious when we observe children. They constantly learn and develop themselves.

When we ignore this, we’re not at our best.

Working is a big part of life. And changing jobs is a great opportunity to grow.

I was promoted eight times in my corporate career. Here what I learned.

How to get promoted. What have I learned?

Be proactive.

Push your luck and take responsibility. When you really want something, just ask.

I started in sales in the New Logo Division. After one year, I wanted to join the Farmer Team. It seemed easier, and I could earn more money, so I asked my direct boss.

Guess what?

He tried to convince me not to do that. Not really in his interest. One of his arguments was

—that’s not my decision; it’s the regional boss’s call.

This person was quite a tough man. No one really wanted to confront him. I pushed for the meeting and finally got my appointment.

The leader started to explain all the reasons why I could fail. And he was repeating that if he gave me this job, he wanted me to be in the top 10 salespeople. He did it severely, speaking loudly, a mixture of intimidation and motivation.

I interrupted him politely and asked,

—Why do you keep saying into the 10 first salespeople?
—I want to be the first one.

There is no job where results are so linked to your inputs than in sales. I was not arrogant; I just understood that my results would follow if I applied the correct quantity and quality of inputs. 

He gave me the job, and for the next three years, I was always in the top three salespeople.

Start with the end in mind

I still have a mind map I built at that time (20 years ago).

We were on holiday with my girlfriend (my wife now), and for my career path, I had an arrow pointing to taking a country’s leadership as managing director. I never shared that with the company. I was so far from it. But internally, I was preparing myself.

I came from sport, so I didn’t have any official business qualifications. Part of my plan was to get back to school and get a business diploma.

The problem: it was costing a lot, and I could not stop working.

Based on my results and my attitude, the company offered me to lead a team of salespeople.

The job and the package were interesting but to keep going with my long term plan I needed the education. So I asked for a part-time study plan in one of the best business schools.

They finally agreed and added it to the package. It was a busy but exciting time, and I was learning at a very high speed.

How to get promoted. Accept losing.

Track record, good results. My management line wanted to keep me in the Sales Division. But I knew that I needed to increase my game. When an open position in marketing was posted, I applied despite my hierarchy trying to convince me not to do that.

I accepted a large reduction in my salary. And here again, I was starting from scratch. As usual, books were my best companions. I read everything I could around marketing, career transition etc…

Jump. What if… And take risks

After two years, a sales leader with whom I worked previously offered me a job in the International Sales Division.

My English was poor. I had never worked internationally and never with an indirect network of partners. What if I crashed myself?

I love the “What if?” question and the worst-case scenario.

And here was my thinking at that time.

“I’m enjoying my career, but I also know that it could stop at any time. I have many other passions and a safety net with my investments.“

I took the job.

It was a career accelerator. I learned to master English business, partner relations, acquisition, integration, cultural differences… After three years, an executive proposed me to run the international division. I was approaching my goal.

I stayed on the job for only 18 months. My management had already proposed me moving abroad with my family to run one of our direct operations as a managing director. That was it. What I was writing in my mind map got real.

Following that, I merged countries and took more responsibilities.

Self-reflection and time.

In retrospect, two things have been instrumental in my progress and could potentially help you as well.

1. Build a pocket of excellence in everything you do.
2. Act as if you were already in your targeted job. That’s why I believe strongly in the life plan approach.

The first one creates performance in what you do. It keeps you on the learning path. No need for perfection. It does not exist. But just 1% better every day, you compound your skills.

The second part positions you as a potential candidate for any further moves.

Ha, and maybe one last thing 😀
Define what success means to you, and try to stay the course. Some people might have competing interests.

Conclusion

Don’t be fixed on the end line. Today there is no longer a “straight career plan”. Learn to be flexible.

Focus on improving every day, keep a general direction, and many opportunities will reach you.

Having the end in mind accelerates your learning path.

Enjoy the adventure….

Related articles.
Why sales is a great job and a potential career accelerator.
What Rubik’s cube can teach you in business (and in life)?
How do you start doing the things you want to do?
Do you want to achieve more? Sleep better.
How to improve your productivity and creativity with mind mapping?

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