Shift your mindset. Those who are willing to take a closer look as to how others view them in the workplace are more apt to successfully position themselves for the next promotion than those who chalk it up to bad luck. This means you have to be open to the possibility that you have some work ahead of you. Ask your boss for advice or engage the services of a coach, who can gather feedback from those above, below and around you.
Work on your qualifications. Look, I don't make the rules. Your employer does. This means that if a particular promotion is dependent on having some sort of certification or degree, then that's what you'll need to get to the next level. Keep in mind that some organizations will overlook these requirements, especially if an employee is currently working towards achieving these requirements.
Toot your own horn to be heard in a sea of cubicles. Let's say you are currently pursuing more education. However, your boss has no idea this is going on or may have forgotten. It's your job to remind her of all the great things you are doing. Strategically brag about it. Your boss isn't a mind reader and has no idea of the work you do outside of work, nor does she have a full record of your accomplishments from previous jobs. This is where you come in. You need to weave your accomplishments into the conversation and help her connect the dots.
Invest in yourself. Contrary to popular belief, career development is not something that an organization owes you. It's something you owe yourself. Take advantage of whatever opportunities come your way to develop your skills. For example, if you're invited to attend a local industry meeting, by all means go. Even if this means you'll have to pay for your own dinner. This is a small investment in your future, which could pay off in spades. After all, if you aren't willing to invest in yourself, why should someone else? Order a subscription to a business publication, such as the Wall Street Journal, so that you can have conversations that are more peer like with those above you. This will help to differentiate you from your current peer group, which most likely is reading the local paper.
Invest in your wardrobe. I'm sure you've heard that you should dress for the position you want. This still holds true, in spite of the photos you see coming out of Silicon Valley, where everyone appears to be wearing a t-shirt and a pair of jeans. You don't have to go crazy and donate your entire wardrobe to Goodwill. Start small by investing in a few good jackets and go from there.
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