Get a promotion with just ONE trick?
Yesterday, I bumped into an old friend @ Sheraton Towers Hotel in Singapore. He shared with me a story of how he got a PROMOTION after he did ONE right thing at the RIGHT time. Here is his story…. and how you can use the learning to your advantage….
Robert (name changed to protect his privacy and promotion) works at a large multinational company in a senior management role, few levels below the C-Level suite.
Recently, Robert accompanied his boss to a meeting at a key customer’s office. During the meeting, Robert got singled out to deliver an unplanned presentation to the group. Robert stepped forward to the front of the room and spoke for 15 minutes. As he sat down, the leader from the client’s side blurted “That was a great presentation”. Robert’s boss who was in the room beamed with pride, but didn’t say a word! On the way back to the office, she offered Robert a promotion to a special role that was lying vacant for long. He also bagged a significant increase in income and envy of others who was looking for that role!
There is an untold secret behind Robert’s apparent instant success. Before I get there let me admit this. I was happy for my friend.
But, I was neither surprised nor shocked!, because I have seen the same thing happen several times in several organisations, around he world. Particularly so in Asia! Many competent people get stuck for long at a certain level of their career, just because they are not confident enough, not seen enough and not influential enough. That’s why I keep saying….
Competence is Important.
Confidence is Paramount.
Confidence is not about being arrogant. You can be both humble and confident. As I mentioned during my interview on BBC News — despite being an introvert — I wanted to improve the 5 core skills because I have seen that as the power behind many successful people.
When you raise your Confidence, Presence and Influence, you can transform your career, business and life — without chasing yet another certification, qualification, degree or waiting for your turn to be promoted. This may surprise many…. but, that is reality intruding their fantasy…
In a previous article, I shared some tips to instantly increase your brand value… Check out real life examples and illustrations >>> How Public Speaking Instantly Increases Your Personal Brand Value and Influence
Robert’s secret was he went prepared for that event — just in case he was asked to present! When he did get the chance, he was ready to rock!
What can you do?
Always be watchful of how you are perceived at work. If you dream to be in the higher levels of the organisation, do yourself a favour by staying ready to lead, communicate and influence. Make an effort to raise your visibility in your team, in your organisation and in your industry. It is never too late to raise your profile! You never know when your boss or customer will see you in action!
Robert’s story came at the right time! I was looking for a fresh story to share at the new batch of the Confident Speaker Program this Saturday. My friend’s promotion story will suit the program participants — as they are starting their six-month transformation journey to increase their confidence, influence and presence.
Manoj Vasudevan is an internationally renowned Next Level Leadership Readiness expert, management consultant, and the World Champion of Public Speaking. He helps executives and entrepreneurs to breakthrough to the Next Level in career and life.Manoj is known for his expertise in simplifying complex topics into practical strategies. He is the CEO of Thought Expressions and holds an MBA from Imperial College, London. His books include the international bestseller Mastering Leadership The Mousetrap Way. He speaks at international conferences, multinational companies, universities, and around the world. As a coach, Manoj has proven track record in personal transformation and breakthroughs. CEOs, Senior Executives, UN Diplomats, Celebrities & Professionals from 27 nationalities have benefited from Manoj’s coaching.To contact the author click here.
