Our primary goal for 2024 is to earn enough to counteract inflation, wouldn’t you agree? This requires two actions: either a decrease in inflation, which is possible, or a rise in salaries that meets or surpasses inflation. Let’s face it, those costly groceries won’t just magically be paid for.
While we can’t dictate inflation trends, late November 2023 reports indicated that inflation might dip below 2.5% in 2024. Since we lack control over that, we should concentrate on aspects within our reach, like our individual career paths and the optimal timing and strategy for pursuing a raise or advancement.
Shelmina Babai Abji rose from poverty, one promotion at a time
Former IBM vice president and TEDx speaker, Shelmina Babai Abji, has a straightforward and impactful message for anyone contemplating asking for a promotion this year: The groundwork begins well before the request. She also authored a book, Show Your Worth: 8 Intentional Strategies for Women to Emerge as Leaders at Work. Having followed her own counsel, she is eager to impart her wisdom to others.
Abji certainly didn’t begin her career as a vice president in a major corporation; in fact, she was born into poverty in Tanzania. At the age of 15, she ventured out in search of higher education, driven by the desire to uplift both herself and her family. As a woman in a male-dominated technology field, she faced significant obstacles including her economic background, language barriers, and cultural differences. However, she ultimately rose to become one of the top-ranking women of color at IBM while single-handedly raising two children.
Strategies for securing a promotion from Show Your Worth author Shelmina Babai Abji
Here’s what Abji emphasizes about putting in the necessary efforts to increase your chances of hearing “yes” when asking for a promotion and raise that will help offset increasing costs, regardless of economic fluctuations.
1. Reflect on your own value
Considering her background, when Abji earned $40,000 annually while living in a one-bedroom apartment, she felt “immensely successful.” Thus, she became accustomed to finding contentment in “modest achievements,” she explains.
“Personally, it took me a decade to achieve internal conviction, as I didn’t see anyone in leadership roles resembling me, resulting in my inadvertent settling,” she shares. But for those aiming for a promotion, the first step is recognizing your inherent worth and potential.
“You need to understand deep down that you are deserving of and prepared for a promotion—and be clear on why. This level of self-belief and assurance is essential not only to obtain the promotion but also to thrive once you achieve it, allowing you to continue your upward journey,” she asserts. “Once I earned my initial promotion and found myself in a position of decision-making, I gained a profound appreciation for what it takes to achieve a promotion.”
From that point onward, simply experiencing modest achievements was no longer viable; she secured a promotion or transitioned to roles strategically positioned for promotion every two years.
2. Differentiate yourself from your colleagues
Now is not the moment to hold back and blend into the background, Abji advises. Instead, if you wish to be acknowledged for your contributions, you must distinguish yourself.
“Increase your visibility by consistently and predictably delivering work that exceeds expectations,” she states. “This will position you as one of the top performers in the eyes of management and colleagues alike. Your unique contributions will make you an indispensable asset to your organization, ensuring your manager is motivated to retain you.”
3. Speak and act like a leader
Do your colleagues view you as a leader prior to seeking a promotion? If not, you can deliberately shape that perception. “Establish a leadership brand so that when others speak of you, they associate you with qualities of a leader,” she notes. “Your brand should encompass your professional acumen as well as personal traits, including your ability to inspire others, remain composed under pressure, effective communication skills, and cultural awareness,” she explains. If you aren’t discussing your work in this light, why would anyone else?
Abji further suggests, “If your present role doesn’t present opportunities to showcase your leadership, seek out scenarios that do, such as volunteering to lead a project or undertaking additional responsibilities which will allow your manager and other key stakeholders to observe your leadership skills in action. A further advantage would be to take on extra duties in your current role to function at a leadership capacity ahead of your promotion.”
Finally, don’t hesitate to communicate your ambitions to others. She emphasizes that people should associate you with the term “ambitious” once they know of your aspirations for a leadership role. “Everyone should be aware of your ambition and your hard work towards achieving a promotion,” she asserts.
4. Demonstrate comfort in discomfort
Advancing to a new position will involve tasks you may not immediately excel at. Rather than prove your current competence in these areas, show how you approach situations where you are uncertain.
“Exhibit your willingness to step outside your comfort zone to acquire new skills, and don’t hesitate to ask for assistance when necessary. This illustrates your self-trust and willingness to take risks,” she notes.
5. Mobilize your support network
While we can all speak highly of our own accomplishments, it is far more effective when others advocate on our behalf. Thus, Abji recommends compiling a list of individuals you believe can assist in your promotion journey, including former or current supervisors, mentors, sponsors, and other leaders in your organization.
“Narrow this list down to the top three to five individuals who could contribute the most toward your promotion,” she advises, “and arrange discussions with each, with the aim to:
- Inquire about what you need to demonstrate to be selected for the role.
- Ask about their personal promotion journeys.
- Seek advice on which leadership qualities served them best in their roles.
Attentively listen, learn, and apply their insights to position yourself as the most qualified candidate.”
6. Prepare thoroughly for the promotion request meeting
Don’t enter a potential promotion request meeting without sufficient preparation. “Approach the meeting with the goal of partnering with your supervisor on this critical milestone in your career,” Abji advises. “You must articulate your aspiration to learn how to earn your promotion while maintaining a tone of humble confidence.”
Be ready to showcase your contributions that qualify you as the ideal candidate, concentrating on solid evidence that highlights your leadership qualities and growth prospects, she suggests.
Consider asking:
- When might there be an opportunity for me to be considered for a promotion?
- What criteria are critical for making a decision?
- What does the decision-making process entail?
- What must I demonstrate to be regarded for a promotion?
- Are there any skills I need to improve?
- Who else will participate in the decision-making for this role?
- What must I show to be the best candidate possible?
In a recent New York Living interview, Abji emphasizes that this should not be viewed as a “transaction,” but rather a “multistep process.” It should not be the first time your supervisor is informed about your aspiration for advancement. “If you don’t express your intention, they may not even be aware,” she states.
7. Do not give up after a “no”
There’s a chance you may hear “no” or “not at this time.” However, that doesn’t mean it will remain a “no” indefinitely.
“If you compete for a position and don’t secure it because another candidate was more qualified, accept it. The most competent individual should be awarded the role, just as you should when you’re the most qualified. Don’t be discouraged,” she advises. “Instead, seek feedback on what you could improve and set yourself up for the next opportunity.”
But if you sense that your supervisor doesn’t support your upward mobility, it may be time to reevaluate your workplace.
“Consider looking for opportunities elsewhere that recognize your value,” Abji suggests. “The support of your supervisor is crucial for your promotion; without their backing, progressing within your current organization will be exceedingly challenging.”
As Abji exemplified, persistence and determination are vital to realizing your potential. There will be more promotion opportunities, and the right fit is still ahead.
