How has HR changed in recent years?
Increased demands for greater organisational transparency, effective talent management and staff engagement combined with a growing appreciation of employees as an organisations greatest asset have propelled the HR function to one that now commands a central function within the organisations overall operations.
So if you have reached the point when its time to take the next step up the career ladder how do you get the powers that be to recognise your potential and grant you that promotion you so crave? Here are a few tips to help you on your way.
Have you considered how much you're worth?
Recognise your value
There is a professor at a university in the US who addresses his new students on their first day, by saying: If I could buy you for what you think you are worth and sell you for what I know you are worth, Id be a millionaire. It is important to consider yourself as someone worth investing in and demonstrate how your career achievements to date make you a sound business proposition for the future of the company.
Do you recognise others?
Share the love
Dont forget to recognise the efforts of others, if you have worked on a successful project as part of a team, such as developing a new system that has successfully reduced absentee levels by 2% and saved the company 320 lost days in a year for example; acknowledge the contribution of each member via a group email to your boss, or raise it as the next staff meeting. This simple action demonstrates your effectiveness of working as part of a team and your ability to take a leading role, while inadvertently shining the light on you and your achievements.
Volunteer for extra duties
Take on additional responsibility
Volunteering to take on extra duties will win you praise, providing you volunteer carefully. Resist the temptation to say yes, Ill do it to everything that is asked of you and only take on jobs that will reflect positively on you, make a clear-cut difference to the way things are done, and will further your career plan. Not only will this earn you invaluable brownie points but it increases your value to the team and gets you noticed by the people who matter.
Do you acknowledge your boss?
Credit where credit is due
If recognition is still not forthcoming from your boss or your peers and you have something worth shouting about, try congratulating your boss. Middle and senior managers are some of the most under-appreciated members of staff and its in their job to ensure that you do a good job. So even if your boss only played a bit-part role during negotiations with external recruitment partners during the streamlining process, for example, acknowledge their overall contribution.
This will draw attention to the great job you are doing and by forging a working relationship that is built on mutual respect and appreciation you will strengthen your position when the next round of promotions come along.
Do you befriend the newby?
Support new senior HR colleagues when they first join the company
When new senior HR executives join the company they are just like the rest of us, slightly vulnerable at first and eager to make their mark without ruffling too many feathers. They will welcome the help of someone who is prepared to support them i.e. you. Seize the initiative to introduce yourself, buy them coffee and share your perspectives on the organisation and as this persons influence within the company grows they may soon have the power to promote you to the job you want.
Are you going that extra mile?
Lead by example
Position yourself as the person your boss can turn to when new starters join the company, act as a mentor who will help them to find their feet and be the person they can turn to without having to go to the boss. This will raise your profile in the office and earn the appreciation of your manager who has a busy enough schedule as it is.
The people who get promoted are the ones who know their job well, do it well, and do it better than everyone else. But sometimes we all need to shout from the rooftops to be heard by those with the power to help us make that next step up the career ladder.