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29 March 2024

Why hard work won't land you a promotion in 2012

Published
By Shuchita Kapur

Being “good at what you do” is expected of you at work and it strengthens your role in the company and fosters self-esteem as a professional.

But, unfortunately, hard work is not the big factor that can ensure you a promotion at the workplace. So, if it isn’t excelling at your work, then what makes someone “promotable”? An Emirates 24|7 poll reveals it is about breaking the rules and going beyond just hard work to get a promotion.

Majority (44 per cent) of the online respondents in the poll said if one stays on the boss' good side, she/he will be a strong contender for a promotion.

“Sad but true, that’s how things happen. Classroom theory doesn’t work in the real world,” said one respondent, who like the majority of participants, believe being on your boss’ good side yields returns.

Next on the list is hard work. Twenty five per cent of the participants believe that hard work always pays off, whereas, 14 per cent believe politicking is the key to climbing up the ladder. For 9 per cent people, networking is the most important factor to get a promotion and for the remaining 8 per cent it is sheer luck even when it comes to hierarchy at work.

Shane Phillips, MENA Regional Practice Leader, Financial & Professional Services at Stanton Chase believes that you stand a 90 per cent chance of promotion if politicking; 75 per cent chance if staying on the boss’ good side; with networking a good 45 per cent chance and with hard work it’s a mere 5 per cent chance to get promoted as is the case with luck.

Interestingly, Phillips believes that power can help you secure you chances of getting promoted by 50 per cent.

Quoting some interesting academic work by Dr. Jeffery Pfeffer, Head of Organizational Behaviour of Stanford University,” Phillips told Emirates 24|7: “In fact power accounts for the majority of differences between the salaries of employees.”

“Thus, if you are in charge of the most powerful department in the company your chances of getting promoted are 5X more likely than that of the head of the least powerful department. So, power is key and as it relates to moving up the pay band, executives should focus on acquiring power and control of resources rather than taking short-term wins in pay, as he who controls the gold makes the rules,” he said.

According to James Sayer, Associate Director, Robert Half UAE, “there is no recipe that will ensure an employee’s promotion in the company, although there are things that professionals can do to help them gain an edge and possibly be considered for advancement.”

Giving five tips to help professionals as they advance their careers, he elaborated: “[Firstly], calibrate achievements. Keep a ‘success folder’ of feedback from internal and external clients. This will allow you to provide your manager quick reference to achievements you’ve had throughout the year which may otherwise be forgotten.

“[Secondly], regularly review goals. Keep a copy of your performance appraisal and review on a monthly or bi-monthly basis. Tracking your objectives will not only give you a sense of accomplishment, it will prove to your manager that you are serious about advancement within the company.

“[Third], volunteer for new projects. Instead of waiting for work to come to you, why not raise your hand for a new project or initiative? Demonstrating your enthusiasm and resourcefulness will not only prove you are a team player; you will be more likely considered for promotions or bonuses as they arise.

“[Fourth], align your role with business strategy. Make sure you are aware of the wider business goals and how your role or department can contribute to the company’s overall success. Regardless of your job, you should always aim to provide a sense of commerciality in everything you do, demonstrating that your role provides tangible results that will help the company grow.

“[And last but not the least], keep your skills sharp. The most successful professionals are always looking to improve themselves and will seek out professional development opportunities to increase their net worth. While technical courses will help you stay abreast of changes within the profession, also consider softer skills, such as public speaking, which can raise your visibility in the firm.”