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7 Habits of Individuals Who Get Promoted Quickly

Ever wonder why some folks zoom up the career ladder while others seem stuck on the same rung? It’s not always about working harder or being the smartest person in the room. Sometimes, it’s the little things you do every day—the habits of employees that get promoted—that catch the boss’s eye.

Think you know what these habits are? Think again! The secrets to getting promoted quickly might surprise you. They’re not your typical “work late” or “dress for success” tips. Nope, these are the kind of habits that make people say, “Wow, I never thought of that!”

Ready to learn some unexpected ways to stand out at work? Buckle up! These seven habits are about to change how you think about climbing the career ladder.

1. Be the Problem-Solving Detective

Ever watched those crime shows where the detective solves the case before anyone else even knows there’s a problem? That’s exactly what you need to be at work. Don’t wait for issues to blow up in everyone’s face. Instead, keep your eyes peeled and your ears open for potential hiccups.

Let’s say you notice that customer complaints are starting to trickle in about a new product feature. Instead of ignoring it or waiting for your boss to notice, dive in and investigate. What’s causing the issue? Is there a quick fix? By the time you bring it up to your manager, have a solution ready to go. This proactive approach doesn’t just solve problems – it shows you’re thinking ahead.

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2. Become the “Yes, And…” Person

You know that person in meetings who always has something negative to say about everyone else’s ideas? Don’t be that person. Instead, channel your inner improv comedian and embrace the “Yes, and…” mindset.

Here’s how it works: When someone shares an idea, instead of poking holes in it, build on it. For example, if your coworker suggests a new marketing campaign, you might say, “Yes, and we could also incorporate user-generated content to make it more engaging!”

This approach does two things. First, it creates a positive, collaborative environment where people feel valued. Second, it showcases your ability to think creatively and contribute to the team’s success.

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3. Master the Art of Simplifying

Have you ever tried to explain your job to a five-year-old? It’s not easy, right? But that’s exactly the skill you need to master if you want to climb the corporate ladder. Being able to break down complex ideas into bite-sized, easy-to-understand chunks is like having a superpower at work.

Think of yourself as a translator, but instead of translating between languages, you’re translating between “complicated speak” and “simple speak.” When you can take a convoluted process or a technical concept and explain it in a way that makes everyone go “Oh, I get it now!”, you become incredibly valuable to your team and your bosses. This skill is one of the get promoted at work tips that people often overlook.

For example, let’s say your company is implementing a new software system. Instead of drowning your coworkers in technical jargon, you could create a simple analogy. “It’s like upgrading from a bicycle to a car. It might take a bit of getting used to, but once you do, you’ll get to your destination much faster and with less effort.”

This skill is one of the get promoted at work tips that people often overlook.

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4. Be the Team’s Mood Lifter

Work doesn’t always have to feel like, well, work. Being the person who can inject a bit of fun and lighten the mood, especially during stressful times, can make you stand out in ways you might not expect.

Think of yourself as the team’s personal sunshine generator. When deadlines are looming and stress levels are rising, you’re the one who knows how to break the tension. Maybe it’s organizing a quick five-minute dance party, starting a silly slack channel for sharing memes, or simply cracking a well-timed joke in a tense meeting.

But it’s not just about being the office clown. It’s about creating an environment where people feel good about coming to work. When you help reduce stress and make the workplace more enjoyable, you’re actually boosting productivity and creativity.

So, don’t be afraid to be the person who suggests a quick team-building game or starts a friendly office competition. Not only will you make work more fun for everyone, but you’ll also be showing leadership qualities that bosses love to see. After all, who wouldn’t want to promote someone who makes the whole team more productive and happy?

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5. Become the Bridge Builder

Imagine your workplace is like a bunch of islands, each department its own little world. You want to be the person building bridges between these islands, creating connections that make the whole company work better.

Being a bridge builder means you’re not just focused on your own team or department. You’re always on the lookout for ways to connect people who might not usually work together. Maybe you notice that the marketing team’s latest campaign could really benefit from some input from the customer service folks. Or perhaps you realize that the IT department’s new software could solve a problem the sales team has been struggling with.

By facilitating these connections, you’re not just helping people work together better – you’re showing that you understand the bigger picture of how the company operates. And trust me, that’s something higher-ups love to see and consider for promotion.

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6. Practice the “One More Thing” Rule

Have you ever watched those Apple product launches where they always have “One more thing” at the end? It’s usually something unexpected and exciting. Well, you can use this same trick in your work life.

The “One More Thing” rule is simple: whenever you complete a task or project, add a little something extra that wasn’t asked for but adds value. It’s like ordering a pizza and finding they’ve thrown in free breadsticks – a nice surprise that makes you feel like you got more than you expected.

For example, if you’re asked to create a report on last quarter’s sales, you could include a brief analysis of emerging trends you’ve noticed. Or if you’re designing a new product feature, you could also sketch out some ideas for how to market it.

This habit shows initiative and creativity. It tells your boss that you’re not just doing what’s asked of you, but you’re actively thinking about how to add more value to the company.

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7. Be the Company’s Storyteller

Every company has a story, but not everyone knows how to tell it well. That’s where you come in. Being the company’s storyteller doesn’t mean you’re making things up – it means you’re helping everyone understand the narrative of what your company does and why it matters.

Think of yourself as the office bard. You’re the one who can take dry facts and figures and turn them into compelling stories that inspire and motivate your colleagues. Maybe you create an engaging presentation about how a recent project impacted a customer’s life. Or perhaps you start a weekly email sharing success stories from different departments.

By telling these stories, you’re not just sharing information – you’re helping everyone see the bigger picture of what the company does and how their work fits into it. This kind of perspective is invaluable, especially as you move up the career ladder.

So, start collecting those company stories. Learn to tell them in ways that engage and inspire. When you can help others see the meaning behind their work, you become more than just an employee – you become a leader.

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About Author

Founder of Eggcellentwork.com. With over 20 years of experience in HR and various roles in corporate world, Jenny shares tips and advice to help professionals advance in their careers. Her blog is a go-to resource for anyone looking to improve their skills, land their dream job, or make a career change.

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