Five mistakes that could cost you a promotion (and how to handle them)

Work is going well. You’ve smashed your fundraising targets, developed a solid pipeline of potential donors, and built strong relationships with your colleagues and manager.

But you’re frustrated. Two years in, the role has lost its initial allure as it no longer challenges you.

It’s time for a change. It’s time to progress. It’s time for a promotion.

But getting one is easier said than done.

To maximise your chances of bagging one, avoid these five common mistakes.

1.     Not asking

The single biggest mistake people make when looking for a promotion is assuming they’ll be handed one on a plate.

Sure, there’s a chance your manager will recognise your potential and promote you unsolicited, but it’s rare.

If you don’t speak up, how will your boss know you want to progress?

What to do

If you want a promotion, be proactive and ask for one. But be smart about it. Have a list of your achievements to hand and evidence to back them up.

If you get knocked back, don’t be disheartened. Good fundraisers are like gold dust. Your manager won’t deny you a promotion without good reason. By speaking up, they’ll know you’re hungry to advance your career and may well find a way to keep you happy and stimulated.

2.     Being invisible

If people don’t know who you are, you’re not going to get promoted. This is especially true of larger charities, where competition for promotions can be fierce.

What to do

Focus on raising your profile by making yourself known to the people who matter.

Show up for every fundraising and social event. Speak up in meetings, and join work-related committees.

The more visible you are, the better your chances of success.

3.     Comparing yourself to others

Is there someone in your department who (in your opinion) unfairly bagged a promotion? Are you intending to use it as part of your argument for getting one?

Think again. Bad-mouthing your colleagues is not going to impress your manager (who probably promoted your colleague in the first place).

What to do

Promotions need to be justified. Rather than give your boss reasons why they shouldn’t have promoted your colleague, give them reasons why you should be promoted.

This is where the ‘brag folder’ comes in.

Whenever you achieve something at work, whether it’s surpassing a fundraising target, securing an elusive major donor, or taking the lead on a major fundraising project, make a note of it and add it to your ‘brag folder’ – a place where you document your big (and small) wins.

When it’s time for the promotion chat, present it to your boss.

However, as we said earlier, when presenting your case, don’t trash others. Let your boss know why you are worth the additional investment. And keep the bigger picture in mind. Talk about how your achievements helped the charity reach its goals.

4.     Being complacent

Going to work and doing the bare minimum each day is not going to do you any favours.

If you want to be seen as a serious contender for a promotion, you need to go the extra mile.

What to do

• Take on more responsibility, (whether it’s offering to head up a project, or set up a committee)

• Ask your colleagues for feedback on your strengths and weaknesses

• Don’t be afraid to make a lateral move if it enables you to master new skills

• Take advantage of training opportunities

• Attend workshops, lectures, and/or seminars outside of work that’ll enhance the skills you need for the job you want.

5.     Making enemies

Promoting someone isn’t a decision your boss will make in a vacuum. The decision will probably require the green light from a number of people.

There’s no quicker way to hurt your chances of getting promoted than rubbing people up the wrong way.

You want people to sing your praise and root for you to get promoted.

What to do

Simple. Be a good colleague. Treat people with respect, even if it’s not reciprocated.

It might feel good to retaliate in the moment, but it could kill your chances to progress.

Focus on being positive, supportive and make a concerted effort to stay away from office gossip and politics.

Ready to take the next step in your career and need some advice? We can help. Give us a call on 0203 750 3111 or email info@bamboofundraising.co.uk to get started.