You Received a Promotion, Now What?
Everyone gets excited when they receive a promotion at work. It is a validation of their contributions, a vote of confidence to take on more responsibililty, and an increase in pay. So after the good news is delivered to you, what is next? It depends on the position to which you are being elevated and on the process the organization will go through to get you to your next assignment. In most cases, there will be aspects of the new role with which you are not familiar. Acknowledge with humility that you have an opportunity to learn new skills and consider the following:
- Do not let the excitement of your new responsibility get ahead of you. Refrain from using the bull in the china shop approach. While you should be excited about your new position, it will be a challenge for others to appreciate your enthusiasm if you start by making mandates.
- Take time to learn the new position. Do not be in a hurry to know everything on the first day. Once you move into your new position, prioritize what is important to learn and begin with the top of the list.
- This is not the time to be a maverick. A promotion is not a green light to make unilateral decisions. Remember an organization is made up of multiple people, and as such you need to get buy-in for the decisions you make. Making decisions for everyone will backfire and send you reeling backwards.
Success in a new position will take time, and it may not come immediately. Remain patient and remind yourself what it took to get to the next level and the time spent to achieve your goal. Most likely, if there is another promotion in your future it could take the same amount of time or more to move to the next level.
