My boss keeps telling me I deserve a promotion but that I should be patient.

Anonymous

August 2,2022 at 1:39AM UTC

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My boss keeps telling me I deserve a promotion but that I should be patient. I have been performing the role of a director without the title. I've even worked with both internal and external auditors to address and resolve compliance issues that occurred before I worked for the company. I've implemented new process improvements, submit weekly executive summary reports to my boss's boss and implemented a new system of governance across 7 business units. Should I wait or look for a new job?

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Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistAugust 2,2022 at 2:51AM UTC
How long has this been going on?
How long have you worked at the company? How long have they been promising you a promotion? How long have you been doing Director level work? Forget the title - are you getting Director compensation?
AnonymousAugust 2,2022 at 5:29AM UTC
Thanks for your response. I've worked at the company for about 14 months. My boss understands that I've taken on director level work which was not initially part of my responsibilities when I was hired. She's been promising me this for about 5-6 months. I'm only making $120,000 which is not director compensation
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistAugust 2,2022 at 6:22AM UTC
How long have you been doing Director level work?
Personally, titles are important but I'd be more concerned about the comp.
I would sit down with your boss and make them outline exactly what you're going to have to do, what you're going to have to accomplish and what the specific timeline will be to see this promotion.
And make sure this is something they have the authority to actually do. Some people make promises that they have no authority to carry out.
Once you know what you're going to have to do and the specific timeline, you'll have a better idea if you need to start looking.
AnonymousAugust 4,2022 at 6:04PM UTC
I've been doing director level work for a year.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistAugust 4,2022 at 11:40PM UTC
Ok, so you only did the job you were hired for for 2 months.
You have been doing director level work for a year - that you're not getting compensated for nor have the title - and your boss has been promising you a promotion for 6 of those 12 months you've been doing director level work.
How did that come about? What about the first six months of doing director level work? Did you ask for a promotion? If you had not brought it up would they be happy to underpay and undertitle you forever?
So you have to decide how ok you are with being underpaid and undertitled.
I would highly recommend you have the conversation I outlined above.
GET IT IN WRITING. If they're not willing to put it in writing, you have your answer right there.
And again, make sure this is something they have the authority to actually do. Some people make promises that they have no authority to carry out.
AnonymousAugust 2,2022 at 5:08AM UTC
Time needs to be a factor here. Talk is cheap actions are everything. If it has been past a year and you have a good rapport, and have not already asked the following, use this as an opportunity to network and for mentorship. try to have a 1 on 1 to engage him or her to say hey I really appreciate what you said, is there a career track or growth path that you recommend I can do to prepare? I really need help, would you mind supporting me through this process, I would really appreciate your guidance. Gauge how the person responds and follow through. If the answer seems very surface with no depth or no genuine interest on getting you to the next stage, you have your answer. And I really can’t stand leaders who make blanketed statements like that withought giving the person the tools and or support to get there. If the response seemed ingenuine, feel free to apply elsewhere. I’ve been told I should be a director some day by leaders who turned out to Harbour spite and jealousy. It’s not about what they say, it’s about what they do. The best thing you can do is be proactive about your future until you get what you want and know you deserve
Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career CoachAugust 3,2022 at 8:37PM UTC
Both ;) I would have a conversation with your boss on getting a timeline for a promotion or a raise to cover the additional responsibilities you've taken on. It also doesn't hurt to add the responsibilities to your reusme and start looking/interviewing!