Am I expecting too much?

11 Comments

1. AnonymousAugust 20,2024 at 3:43PM UTC

   I would list all of your accomplishments (with revenue numbers included) and ask to meet with the CEO or whoever you report to. In this meeting, sell yourself as you would in an interview - positive, confident, and sharing your value add (past and future) with them. Confidently ask for a raise. Let them know you are interested in a leadership position. Demonstrate how the things you have accomplished in the past 3 years have benefitted the company. Sometimes, just doing your work isn't enough. Sometimes you need to be direct. Be professional and polite, but don't be afraid to sell yourself (as you would with any sales). Best wishes!

2. Nicole McKeonAugust 20,2024 at 4:10PM UTC

   Thank you.

3. AnonymousAugust 20,2024 at 5:27PM UTC

   Have you sked for more? More money? Higher title? What about asking for feedback? In other words, do they know what you want?

4. AnonymousAugust 20,2024 at 5:34PM UTC

   Why would they pay you more or promote you? Look at all the work you're doing for the same salary and title.

5. AnonymousAugust 20,2024 at 6:14PM UTC

   I would up my Brand if I were you. Sit on panel discussions, speak at conferences, appear on podcasts, get you name and quotes in print. Use Twitter and Instagram to get your name out there. Network with your peers. All of this is easier than you might think.

   You must build a personal brand as an expert in your field, with a point of view and voice. No one, including your leadership, can ignore that presence and they will take pride of ownership that you are "their talent" and a valued voice in your industry. You also attract bigger offers and you leadership will have to fight to keep you. That means more $, perks, bonuses and promotions.

   This is a career move not just creating current leverage. This is a proactive strategy that will benefit you in jobs to come. It works extremely well and it's completely within your control. You don't have to wait for anyone to notice your value when you have a brand.

6. Kristen HillAugust 20,2024 at 9:00PM UTC

   Wow. Such good advice.

7. AnonymousAugust 20,2024 at 7:08PM UTC

   I speak from past experience, having had a similar situation in a revenue generating role. I was passed up on a promotion once, and it was explained that although I was completely and justifiably qualified to take on a leadership role, the company viewed it too risky to move me up since I closed many lucrative deals in my enterprise role and my relationship to the accounts were viewed as more important to the company. It was more of a "you're in your zone" mentality rather than we could use your skills to advance the company further.

   My advice here would be to create a strategy that allows you to take on a leadership role while also keeping an eye on those accounts that have the long game investment you've put in for the company and over time putting them in qualified and guided hands. Put it to paper and present it to your leadership. Doing so, while advocating why you'd make a great asset in leadership while caring for and laying down the ground work for a successful future. It feels defeating not being recognized with a promotion, but when you're good at something that brings the company money, the fear is that taking you away from what you're clearly great at, sets the company back significantly in their eyes.

   The positive here is that they can't afford to let you go, promotion or otherwise. Which gives you power. They'd go bananas if you left to work with a competitor. You could ask for a title, better base pay compensation, profit scheme, better company stock options, 100% paid medical, if that's not already in your package.

   Sometimes it's also the "good ol' boy effect" and nothing to do with you and that should make you angry if you were passed up for someone that fits their image of a leader. If that's the case, take a course on leadership because there may be something that isn't helping you stand out as a leader, again in their eyes and use your skills to get close to the people that make these decisions.

   Don't lose faith, just become more knowledgeable about what it takes to be considered for such advancements. What was once a clear sign of hunger and pursuit, no longer accounts for anything these days and sometimes comes down to literally who you're friends with. Knowledge is your hammer here and you've got this nailed. Go get it!!

8. AnonymousAugust 21,2024 at 12:24PM UTC

   Move on.

9. Debbie HolbrookAugust 21,2024 at 1:50PM UTC

   Definitely communicate your aspirations, ask for what you want.

10. AnonymousAugust 21,2024 at 2:24PM UTC

    Some companies have people in leadership roles that like rear end kissers, sad but true.

11. AnonymousAugust 31,2024 at 4:05PM UTC

    One person below has said it well, and I have also been a victim of it. While you have done your job well, you have made yourself indispensable where you are. My suggestion would be to hire a salesperson who you can lead and who will shine. One thing every person who wants to move into leadership should be doing is training their replacement.