On the Job by Anita Bruzzese The Real Reasons You Didnt Get the Promotion

On the Job by Anita Bruzzese The Real Reasons You Didn't Get the Promotion There are very few things that are more discouraging than being rejected for a promotion. You may feel youre ready to move up the ladder, but you watch others get promotions while youre passed over. Why? Believe it or not, the reasons are often pretty simple. Its not some complicated plot that involves Vladimir Putin orthe CIA. It often comes down to this: Youre like a bull in a china shop.You not only gossipandcomplain loudlyenough to be heard by anyone with a half-mile radius, but you make inappropriate comments and swear like a sailor on shore leave. Obnoxious and bratty behavior that could net you a reality show isnt the professional attitude that is appreciated by bosses. If you embarrass, offend or anger co-workers with your demeanor, you can bet the boss doesnt want you carrying your offensiveness into a leadership position. You cant go anywhere without your GPS.If you cant take the next step in a project without clear guidance from your supervisor or a trail of bread crumbs from team members, then youre not showing the boss that youre capable of taking on a new challenges if promoted. Standing around dithering while you wait on instructions reveals you as someone who needs to be constantly supervised, and thats not a recipe for a promotion. Huffy is your middle name.Do youtake feedback well, or get huffy and pout or gripe about any criticism? Youve got to develop thicker skin the higher you go on the career ladder, so an inability to accept feedback professionally could be sending the message youre immature and not ready to play with the big kids. Yourenever late for happy hour.Theres nothing wrong with enjoying your time off after work, but you cant expect the boss to consider you for a promotion when you hit the door at 5 p.m. like a bullet, racing out to your car to get to happy hour or yoga class. Try lingering a bit after quitting time to show the boss that something else isnot always more important than your job. Youdontspeak up.Bosses are not mind readers. If you want a promotion, ask for it. Then, give all the reasons why youd be great for the job. Youdonthave the right skills.Its surprising how many people ask for a promotion when they have no real idea of what the job entails. Do your homework so that you know the specific skills or certifications you need to fulfill the job duties. Then, take stock ofwhat soft skills you have to offer. Perhaps youre adept at soothing angry customers or youre good at rallying diverse team members around a common goal. A combination of skills are critical for getting a promotion because any boss wants to feel like shes getting a well-rounded person who wont require a lot of hand-holding. You never make a good suggestion. Sure, you thought your idea of putting a slushie machine in the breakroom was brilliant, but how exactly does that help the boss or the company? Those who want to be promoted have to show that (read more here)