These workplace behaviours could be holding you back!

You've ticked every professional box – right credentials, qualifications, and experience – but you're still finding it hard to reach those dizzying heights in your career. Why is that? Believe it or not, if you're not getting promoted at work, it's the small everyday behaviours that could be getting in the way of your advancement. Let's take a look at some of them, and how to boost your chances of promotion. 

Why you're not getting promoted at work – potential reasons

Here are some of the habits or behaviours that may be letting you down:

You don't go into the office

Hybrid and remote working has never been more popular. However, if you're out of sight, you also risk being out of the manager's mind. Proximity bias means that decision-makers subconsciously favour people who they see on a regular basis. To rectify this problem – assuming you can't go into the office – try speaking up more and booking face-to-face video calls for meetings.

You hesitate to share your ideas

Your self-perception could play a major role in your career progression as confidence and occupational success are naturally linked. While some people seem to naturally exude self-esteem, the rest of us mere mortals may need a little help, such as in speaking up in meetings or leading discussions. Luckily, confidence can be a learnt trait. If you're struggling, try reminding yourself of your accomplishments and the value you bring to work daily. You could write down these points in a journal or repeat them to yourself each morning.

You downplay your contributions

Screaming and shouting about your achievements simply isn't British – it just doesn't feel right. When given a professional compliment, most of us are more likely to make a self-effacing joke than graciously accept it. Even if you're a high performer who lets your work speak for itself, it's important to understand that while modesty is a healthy trait, too much of it could also be why you're not getting promoted at work.

If you want people ‒ i.e. your managers ‒ to remember your achievements, you can't shy away from them. That's not to say that you should bring up your accomplishments at every turn, but occasionally alluding to them or mentioning your success is a smart move. Don't be afraid to sing your own praises now and then as it could help you to get places in your career.

You don't dress for success

“Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” It may sound like a cliché, but there's truth to it. Donning a suit may be the difference between landing that promotion or staying exactly where you are. While new threads could change the way your co-workers and managers see you, the power of this tip runs far deeper.

Research published in the Academy of Management Journal suggests that your work attire can affect your mindset and productivity – it found that wearing formal clothing improved participants' cognitive function. This means that dressing well could literally make you better at your job, and less likely to be overlooked for that promotion.

You qualify your opinions

"I think that this would probably be the best plan." "I kind of had an idea in mind."

What's wrong with these statements? When you use language like "probably" and "kind of," you're qualifying your opinions. While many of us use these words to soften the blow of what we're saying or avoid coming across as controlling, they could also do us a real disservice.

These qualifiers simply make you sound unsure of yourself, which might be why you're not getting promoted at work. Bosses are looking for internal candidates who can take charge and speak with conviction. 

You're not actively seeking growth

Are you too comfortable in your current job? Do you often find yourself dismissing invites for the next upskilling class? If you appear stagnant, there's little incentive for your boss to promote you. Put simply, you have to show that you're eager to progress ‒ and fast.

How to boost your chances of promotion

Are you guilty of any of the above? If you're looking to switch up the narrative, here are some simple changes you can make:

  • Seek feedback. Are you aware of what's holding you back? By working on your self-awareness, you can increase your chance of being promoted. Speak to your manager and find out how you can improve yourself and your work.
  • Engage in confidence-boosting activities. As we've covered, having low confidence could result in you not getting promoted at work. Look for practical ways to strengthen your sense of self as well as self-esteem, such as taking a course, practicing mindfulness, listening to motivational talks, or consulting an expert. 
  • Show up and speak up. The more managers see your face, the more you will be at the forefront of their mind. Make yourself visible in meetings – either online or in-person – by asking questions or sharing insights. This is a quick way to get noticed at work.
  • Embrace productivity. Productivity matters. When you're looking to gain a promotion, explore ways for enhancing both your output and network, such as signing up for internal training or volunteering opportunities. 

Stop getting overlooked!

Not getting promoted at work, when you know you deserve it, can be frustrating. To improve your chances, give yourself every possible advantage. Addressing these small (but significant!) issues first could make all the difference. 

Still not getting the promotion? It may be time to look elsewhere. Jumpstart your job search with a free CV review to see how you stack up.

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