When you first come into the service, getting promoted seems easy. You do your job, and when you have enough time in service, you make E-2, then E-3. But sooner or later, it seems that you get stalled out. Your boss keeps recommending other people for promotion, but not you. What’s the deal? You’re just as good as they are, maybe even better. So how do you get out of this rut?
Learn to stand out from the crowd and get noticed.
Just meeting the criteria for promotion is not good enough. You have to be above the standard if you want to get promoted. Average performance and enough time in grade just doesn’t cut it. Take the first step by volunteering for additional responsibility. When your boss says he needs someone to __________(you fill in the blank), even if it’s a crappy job, raise your hand and say, “Sergeant, I’ll do it.” Your pals may poke fun at you, but you have to show the boss that you are willing to do more for the team.
Comments
Part-Time-Commander
This is some great advice Jo. The best leaders are mavericks. They don’t worry what other people think. They set trends, they don’t follow trends. Every great leader I’ve ever worked for did things differently than most other leaders. I tried to follow the same advice when I became a leader. I can truly tell you that it makes a world of difference.
If you do what everyone else does, you will get what everyone else does. Don’t be part of the 90%. Instead, join the 10%. There’s always room at the top.
Preston
I feel like that sentiment holds up very well in all aspects of life. In fact, doing something differently than the way other people are doing it is often what makes you a leader in the first place.
If you have a better way to do something, do it. Others will catch on. The best way to improve a process is to go for it!
Preston
Great practical tips that Soldiers can use TODAY to improve their promotion potential. Thanks, Jo!