#469  from Innovative Leader Volume 9, Number 5          May 2000

Five Ways Not to Get Promoted
by Donald E. Wetmore, Ph.D.

Dr. Wetmore, from Shelton, CT, is a speaker and consultant on time management.  He can be reached at: phone (800) 969-377; fax (203) 9298151; email ctsem@msn.com; www.balancetime.com/

Time Management has a lot more to do with "investing" our time wisely, rather than just "spending it." Many people view their job as just that, a "job," where they exchange their time for money rather than viewing it as a "position," a platform and a springboard to even greater success--an investment.

I have met many who lament that they are not getting the advancement they desire, thinking that external forces are keeping them from moving up the ladder. In some cases, this is true. In most cases, it is not.

And so, here are five common ways people use to "not" get promoted.

1. Don't plan your day. Go to work each day without a plan in mind. "People don't plan to fail but many fail to plan." Respond to whatever comes at you, the loudest voice demanding your
attention. You will work "hard" but maybe not "smart."

2. Do the minimum. Many have the attitude "they don't pay me for that." They do what is required of them to cover themselves.  They fail to recognize that, in order to qualify for a raise, they have do more now than what they were already being paid to do. Like a wood-burning stove, many stand at the cold stove and demand its heat without recognizing that you have to put the wood in first, start the flame, and wait a while for heat to radiate.

3. Rely on your current base of knowledge. The amount of information has doubled in the last fifteen years, and it is said to be doubling every eighteen months hereafter. The world, our companies, and our jobs are changing whether we are along for the ride or not. It has been reported that within five years, 60% of us will be doing jobs that are not even in existence today. If we continue to do what we do, the same way, most of us will soon be obsolete.

4. Voice your complaints. Every job has something to complain about. The pay, the hours, the location, the facility, your boss, your coworkers, the customers, etc. Since we can never be sure whether those around us are aware of our particular discontent, be vocal about what you don't like. It will keep you and them from doing what really needs to be done, and it will send out a message to the "powers that be" that maybe, just maybe, you won't be here in a few months, so why should they give you any more money or any more responsibility?

5. Don't share the credit. When something goes right, put your name on the top of the list of those who made it happen. Don't acknowledge others' contributions. If something doesn't work out well, point the finger to someone else. "Victory has a thousand fathers. Failure is an orphan."