It's been a year and you're getting a little restless watching several of your peers advance while you remain in entry or junior level limbo. It's clear you should ask for a promotion, but what's less clear is how you should go about it. Several factors come into play including your boss' management style and personality. Familiarize yourself with these five common management styles and tailor your argument to your boss' style to have a better chance at that promotion.
1. The Rule-Follower
Your manager may be risk-averse and afraid of making mistakes. This management style involves methodically analyzing all the available data before making a decision. In this case, your boss may resent being pushed to act before having time to consider all the options.
If this meticulous tortoise is holding the key to your next position, by all means, don't rush the process or demand a "yes" or "no." Instead, arrange a formal meeting at least a week in advance. Bring a printed list of your accomplishments, and try to attach a number to each one. Instead of claiming you "raised revenue for the department," calculate an exact percentage, and be ready to show your boss the data you used to obtain that figure.
2. The Contrarian
Your boss likes innovators, free thinkers and positive surprises. She encourages calculated rule-breaking, and for the most part, she believes that great results justify unconventional methods.
If your boss approves of bold moves, approach her with confidence. Think positive, not aggressive. Know your place and don't make demands, but as long as you stay within bounds, be brave, cheerful and direct. The worst she'll do is turn you down, but she'll remember and respect the way you made your case.
3. The People-Pleaser
Your boss will do anything to make people happy, and at first glance, he seems like a bit of a pushover. But remember — he didn't get where he is by rolling over for everyone he meets. He got where he is by rolling over to the people above him. Aka: not you. Make it clear to this boss that he'll gain the respect and approval of his superiors by promoting you. Leave your own feelings out of it altogether.
4. The Jerk
If your boss sometimes rejects a great idea because he resents the person who presented it, or he often holds back talented workers due to jealously or power-hunger, approach with care. And whatever you do, remove your ego from the process, since you're less likely to win any argument that feels personal.
Calmly present your points, and if things go wrong, have a back-up plan. Find a diplomatic way to go around him and directly approach his superiors. Even better, look for a position outside of this company where you'll be respected for your contributions, not your ability to play political games.
5. The All-Around Amazing Boss
If your relationship with your boss is founded on mutual respect, and you know that she's been watching you closely and rooting for your success, recognize the value of what you have. Trust her to make the right decision for the company and give her a clear outline of every smart move you've made so far and all the ways your promotion will benefit the team. Make her decision easy.
And if she says no, don't just leave the room. Ask her for a list of milestones you'll need to check off in order to get where you need to be. Write them down, thank her for her time and get to work.
1. The Rule-Follower
Your manager may be risk-averse and afraid of making mistakes. This management style involves methodically analyzing all the available data before making a decision. In this case, your boss may resent being pushed to act before having time to consider all the options.
If this meticulous tortoise is holding the key to your next position, by all means, don't rush the process or demand a "yes" or "no." Instead, arrange a formal meeting at least a week in advance. Bring a printed list of your accomplishments, and try to attach a number to each one. Instead of claiming you "raised revenue for the department," calculate an exact percentage, and be ready to show your boss the data you used to obtain that figure.
2. The Contrarian
Your boss likes innovators, free thinkers and positive surprises. She encourages calculated rule-breaking, and for the most part, she believes that great results justify unconventional methods.
If your boss approves of bold moves, approach her with confidence. Think positive, not aggressive. Know your place and don't make demands, but as long as you stay within bounds, be brave, cheerful and direct. The worst she'll do is turn you down, but she'll remember and respect the way you made your case.
3. The People-Pleaser
Your boss will do anything to make people happy, and at first glance, he seems like a bit of a pushover. But remember — he didn't get where he is by rolling over for everyone he meets. He got where he is by rolling over to the people above him. Aka: not you. Make it clear to this boss that he'll gain the respect and approval of his superiors by promoting you. Leave your own feelings out of it altogether.
4. The Jerk
If your boss sometimes rejects a great idea because he resents the person who presented it, or he often holds back talented workers due to jealously or power-hunger, approach with care. And whatever you do, remove your ego from the process, since you're less likely to win any argument that feels personal.
Calmly present your points, and if things go wrong, have a back-up plan. Find a diplomatic way to go around him and directly approach his superiors. Even better, look for a position outside of this company where you'll be respected for your contributions, not your ability to play political games.
5. The All-Around Amazing Boss
If your relationship with your boss is founded on mutual respect, and you know that she's been watching you closely and rooting for your success, recognize the value of what you have. Trust her to make the right decision for the company and give her a clear outline of every smart move you've made so far and all the ways your promotion will benefit the team. Make her decision easy.
And if she says no, don't just leave the room. Ask her for a list of milestones you'll need to check off in order to get where you need to be. Write them down, thank her for her time and get to work.
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