When you’re ready to move up in the promo world, it can be disheartening if your boss doesn’t think you’re quite ready. They may have great things to say about you, but then you hear that dreaded word: “but.”

Joel Garfinkle, a coach, keynote speaker and corporate trainer, says it often comes down to your executive presence. If your boss doesn’t think you have a strong executive presence, you could be inadvertently slowing your career progress.  

In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we highlight Garfinkle’s thoughts on why you may not be getting promoted — and what you can do to change that.

“You’re so good in client meetings, but … you are unclear and not succinct when speaking to senior executives.” If you hear this, Garfinkle says the approach you use to communicate and present to your clients isn’t working for those in senior leadership. Maybe you don’t come across as confident, or you struggle to express your ideas succinctly.

What to do: Make your message clear and straightforward. You know promo inside and out, and now you need to convey your expertise confidently to your company’s leadership team. Garfinkle recommends working with an executive coach who can help you role-play with real-world scenarios.

“You’re an expert in what you do, but … you don’t take charge and lead.” It can be difficult for senior leaders to promote you if they don’t see your leadership playing out in day-to-day activities.

What to do: Garfinkle recommends jumping in anytime you know the right course of action. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you, and don’t worry about stepping on toes above you. He says you may want to work with a mentor who can help you refine your sense of what leadership looks like.

“You’re knowledgeable and smart, but … you lack poise and are too hesitant when speaking.” If you want to be seen as an expert, you have to share your expertise with authority. Garfinkle says that while you may have good reasons for hesitating to speak up about something, your audience only hears a lack of assuredness.

What to do: You can start by believing that people want to hear your opinion, Garfinkle says. Share your thoughts with more gravitas. Explain what you know and share your ideas with assurance and conviction. Keep working at it if you sound stilted or struggle with getting your wording right.

“You know our business front to back, but … you don’t stake a position and stand by it.” You may appear uncertain if you never defend your position or opinion on things. Garfinkle says this can hurt your chances of getting promoted because leaders may perceive your malleability as waffling or lack of passion.

What to do: Garfinkle recommends being ready to go to bat for your strongest beliefs. Defend your less firmly held ideas and opinions. Practice the phrases you could and would use to disagree with others respectfully. Regardless of whether your idea is accepted or not, your opinion matters and is valued, so speak up.

When you’re hoping for a promotion, it’s crucial to dispel any lingering doubts your boss may have and demonstrate you’re ready to take on more responsibility.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Joel Garfinkle is a recognized as one of the nation’s top 50 coaches. He’s also a keynote speaker and corporate trainer who has worked with many of the world’s leading companies.