Ambition is a good thing. Don’t squelch desires to improve skills and develop new capabilities. This is bedrock for a high-performing organization.
I’ve noticed that employees often believe myths about promotions and what it means if they get one (or don’t). It’s an uncomfortable topic in large group meetings. I want you to think clearly about them.
Realities about promotions:
A promotion means doing a different job. It might be similar to the previous job but would have measurable increases in scope and complexity. Smart organizations make promotions a significant jump.
The organization needs people working in different roles, and there are relatively few levels compared to the number of roles. There is not a promotion path in the org design for everyone. This reality is a bigger limitation than the usual “budget” excuse, and less comfortable to discuss.
There are increasing expectations for every job level and within existing roles, apart from a promotion. Doing more than you did 2 years ago in the same role is normative, and not necessarily a justification for promotion.
You will (if you haven’t already) see people being promoted and think “Really? Why them and not me?” It won’t help to compare yourself to others. There are many factors in the promotion cycle of organizations which you cannot control. Do not let this reality discourage you from putting in your best work and making the case for a promotion as a larger responsibility that you can manage well.
