Quick Tip – Pin Down Your Manager

Don’t let them get away with fuzzy promotion requirements – Issue #120

It’s that time of the year. Many people are finding out if they will receive a raise or promotion.

Unfortunately, most people won’t be promoted. That’s the way the numbers work. For example, the average promotion rate in 2019 was only 8.9%.

If you are one of the many who won’t be promoted this year, you should ask your manager for details about your performance. Most importantly, what are the expectations for the level above you?

Too many bosses will be slippery when faced with this question. They will say things like:

• “Demonstrate that you’re already performing at the next level.”

• “I’ll know when you’re ready.”

• “You need to show more initiative.”

• “You need to take on more responsibility.”

This sort of fuzzy feedback isn’t beneficial. It’s the sign of a lazy boss or one that doesn’t truly understand the work you are doing.

Pin your manager down.

Respectfully, of course.

Ask for a copy of the roles, levels, and responsibilities document (e.g., the expectations for a designer, senior designer, staff designer, principal designer, etc.). This doc should have specific details of the types of actions, performance, and behaviors that management observes to determine who is ready for a promotion or not.

Note the expectations for the level above you and assess where you think your performance is exceeding, meeting, or not meeting those expectations.

Then, create a career plan for this year that will put you on track to meet and exceed those next-level expectations.

A great manager will work with you on this assessment and plan. Not-so-great managers won’t be much help.

However, you should create it for yourself. Your plan will lay the foundation for making a case for your promotion during the next cycle.

Make sure you check in regularly with your manager throughout the year so that they are aware of the progress you are making!

Do you know of others who would enjoy this newsletter? Feel free to share it with them. Thank you!