Five ways to tell your boss you deserve a promotion

If you feel that you have accomplished all that you possibly can within your current job title and are now ready to sink your teeth into a role with more responsibility, it may be time to engage your boss in a discussion on a possible promotion. Navigating the conversation on why you feel the need to move a step further up the corporate ladder can often be tricky. Brinda Dasgupta brings you some tips from the experts on how you can tell your boss you deserve a promotion.

1 Present Your Achievements

A promotion is to demonstrate achievements during the past year. “Do not assume your manager will know or remember all that you have done, so detail out the bigticket items you have delivered in the past year or two, and how you have gone beyond your KRAs and executed innovative ideas,“ said Kannika Sagar, chief people officer at HCL Infosystems.

2 Quantify Your Conversation

Be sure to have specific points to lead the discussion. “Tangible numbers will always lend credibility to your request for a promotion. Talk about how you have driven revenue, retained best talent within the organisation and made a difference in the work culture,“ said Anish Sarkar, country leader at Mercer India.

3 Show Your Conviction

While discussions on your past performance are important, be sure to also focus on the potential you have, how it can be harnessed and how it can distinguish you for a higher level, said Sarkar. “You have to convince your manager that you can perform at higher levels; showing initiative and multi-tasking well will be suitable evidence towards that,“ he added.

4 Engage In Self Assessment

Having an open mind during the discussion is essential, as much of it may focus on your perception of your achievements and organisational capabilities. “Of course, your manager may have a completely different perception of your performance, so be open to discussion and feedback,“ said Subramanian Suryanarayanan, CHRO of Tata AIG General Insurance.

5 Project Proactiveness

If there is internal or external trouble at the organisation, your manager may ask how you plan to manage the situation. Play out all possible scenarios in your head prior to the meeting and correctly demonstrate a never-give-up attitude and a willingness to try something new in tough situations. “Being able to see the big picture and proactively resolving issues in a timely manner can go a long way in proving your ability and commitment,“ said Suryanarayanan.