Hard Work Alone Won't Get You a Promotion -- Here's What Else You Have To Do
You shift 15 tons and what do you get? Not a promotion, that's for sure.
Standard career advice has long put forth the idea that if you just work harder, you’ll get ahead. But in today’s workplace, that formula has changed. Employees are already logging long hours, taking on extra tasks and still finding themselves passed over for raises and promotions — leaving many wondering what actually moves the needle.
We spoke with career coaches who told us what more is needed beyond hard work when it comes to getting a promotion.
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Hard Work Is the Baseline
Hard work always matters, but it’s no longer what sets many workers apart. In many workplaces, “Hard work is the cost of entry,” said Tim Toterhi, fractional chief human resources officer and career coach at Plotline Leadership.
“In a tight job market where employees face competition from both artificial intelligence and a geographically dispersed workforce, you have to offer more than elbow grease,” he added.
Promotions Are Driven by Value, Not Effort
Advancement is more likely to be influenced by value than effort, Toterhi said, because “hustle culture is dead.” Now we’re in a “value economy where people are rewarded for results rather than activity.”
Promotions come from making yourself indispensable and increasing the value of others along the way, he said.
Visibility and Advocacy Matter More
Even strong performance can go unnoticed without visibility. Being good at your job is important, but being known for that work is what often leads to advancement.
For newer or upward-moving employees, Toterhi said, “Having a mentor is important. Having a cast of advocates who speak highly of you in the rooms you’re not in is even better.”
However, your behavior has to “back the hype,” he said. He advises employees to “follow the writer’s creed and show, don’t tell.”
Make Your Case Like a Business Proposal
When it comes to raises, Maureen Crawford Hentz, vice president of human resources at A.W. Chesterton Company and a professor at Merrimack College, said the biggest mistake when pursuing a raise or promotion is that employees forget to think about what the business needs.
“To be successful, you have to hit the business's ‘WIIFM — what's in it for me (the business),’” she said.
What this means for the employee is being able to clearly show that your scope and scale have increased, she said. “Then you have a compelling ask.”
That could mean demonstrating how your role has grown or linking your work to specific metrics, such as increased sales or team performance.
Job Hopping Can Boost Income but With Trade-Offs
Switching companies remains one of the fastest ways to increase income, but, Toterhi said, “You also take on all the risks of being the new kid in town. Weigh your options and make your choice with a clear head."
Every situation is different.
For some, staying put and building leverage internally may offer more stability, especially if they can clearly demonstrate increasing value.
Negotiation and Positioning Are Critical to Growth
Even when you believe you’ve earned a raise or promotion, how you handle the conversation can determine the outcome.
“Start by knowing the market, specifically, the going rate for your role,” Toterhi said. “In any case, never speak first. Embrace awkward silence. And don’t be afraid to counter.”
Equally important is how you frame your contributions.
“Your advancement isn’t about you. It’s about what you can do for others.”
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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