If you think that one day, any day now, you’ll be getting a promotion, the reality is that there may be a few things you are doing (or believing) that can actually keep you from your goal. Let’s take a look at the top four myths that stop you from getting promoted and what to do instead. 

“Great Work Speaks for Itself”

We often like to think that our work will speak for itself. Many people like to be humble and not put too much fuss into their accomplishments. While humility is certainly a positive trait, being too humble can hurt you when hoping for a promotion. 

There is nothing wrong with taking credit for your work. In fact, you should take ownership of your achievements. This isn’t to say that you should excessively brag, but leveraging your successes is an important way to create a personal brand.

“If I Do Good Work, People Will Notice”

This is a myth that can sometimes be true. However, you will find that people noticing has less to do with your good work and more to do with the characteristics of the people. Some people are great at noticing others while some people are not. If you rely on your boss noticing your good work, he simply may not be focused enough to see. 

Instead, be your best advocate by reminding your boss about your various accomplishments. This is particularly important when you are building a case for a raise or promotion. You are the one person that can truly see the full picture of the value you bring to an organization. It is up to you to share that. 

“If I Never Take a Vacation, I’ll Get a Promotion” 

We definitely live in a culture where people can feel guilty for taking vacations; however, this is not going to get you a promotion. In fact, not getting enough rest and downtime can lead to more stress and negative work performance. 

The reality is that there are plenty of ways to display a strong work ethic and commitment to an organization without working yourself to death. A more effective way of positioning yourself for a promotion is to build strategic relationships with people in your organization. These will come in handy when it comes time to ask for a promotion.

“My Boss Knows I Want a Promotion”

This is a huge misconception that has prevented many from getting promoted. Many professionals may think that their boss knows their desires. However, the reality is that the only way your boss knows you want a promotion is if you’ve told them. Otherwise, they may assume that you are perfectly content with your current position. 

It is important not to make assumptions about others and to actively express your goals and desires to your boss. Tell your boss you want a promotion and come up with a plan to grow any skills you may need. This is an important part of professional development.

Conclusion

These 4 myths can prevent you from getting a promotion. When you want a promotion, it is always important to have a strategy. There are a few things you can do that will help you to begin to build a case for a promotion. First, make yourself more visible in your organization. Identify your strengths in the niches that you feel right for you and leverage these. Additionally, be selective about projects you take on in order to focus on things that best contribute to the mission of the organization and its success.