Who Gets Promoted, Who Doesn't, and Why

What's "Who Gets Promoted, Who Doesn't, and Why" about?

• Career Advancement Focus: The book by Donald Asher explores the dynamics of career advancement, focusing on the factors that influence who gets promoted and who doesn't.
• Practical Advice: It provides practical advice and strategies for individuals aiming to climb the corporate ladder, emphasizing the importance of timing, visibility, and strategic career management.
• Case Studies and Interviews: The book includes case studies and interviews with fast-track careerists, HR professionals, and executives to illustrate real-world applications of the strategies discussed.
• Comprehensive Guide: It serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to understand the unwritten rules of promotions and how to navigate them effectively.

Why should I read "Who Gets Promoted, Who Doesn't, and Why"?

• Insightful Strategies: The book offers insightful strategies that can help you manage your career more effectively and increase your chances of getting promoted.
• Real-World Examples: It includes real-world examples and case studies that provide a practical understanding of how promotions work in different organizational contexts.
• Career Management: It emphasizes the importance of actively managing your career rather than passively experiencing it, which is crucial for long-term success.
• Expert Advice: Written by Donald Asher, a career expert with over twenty years of experience, the book provides credible and actionable advice.

What are the key takeaways of "Who Gets Promoted, Who Doesn't, and Why"?

• Timing and Performance: Timing is as important as performance or talent when it comes to promotions. Being available and prepared when opportunities arise is crucial.
• Visibility Matters: Getting noticed is essential. It's not just about doing a great job but ensuring that the right people know about your accomplishments.
• Lifelong Learning: Continuous learning and skill development are necessary for career advancement. Anticipating and acquiring the skills needed for future roles is vital.
• Strategic Networking: Building relationships with mentors, benefactors, and high-potential colleagues can provide support and open doors for new opportunities.

What are the best quotes from "Who Gets Promoted, Who Doesn't, and Why" and what do they mean?

• "Timing is as important as performance or talent.": This highlights the significance of being in the right place at the right time, ready to seize opportunities as they arise.
• "You have to get noticed.": Emphasizes the importance of visibility in career advancement, suggesting that doing a great job isn't enough if no one knows about it.
• "Lifelong learning is required for lifelong success.": Stresses the need for continuous education and skill development to stay competitive and advance in your career.
• "All business is sales.": Suggests that selling your ideas, skills, and potential is crucial in any business environment, regardless of your role.

How does Donald Asher define an "Ascension Plan" in the book?

• Career Continuity: An ascension plan is a strategy for career continuity, outlining how you will ascend in your career through specific goals and timelines.
• Skillset Assessment: It involves honest assessments of the skills and experiences needed for advancement and how to acquire them.
• Event Triggers: The plan includes event triggers, such as time-based or accomplishment-based milestones, to prompt career moves or reassessments.
• Proactive Approach: It emphasizes taking responsibility for creating your next opportunity rather than waiting for it to happen.

What role does "Timing" play in promotions according to the book?

• Not a Reward: Promotions are not rewards for past performance but investments in future contributions, making timing crucial.
• Availability: Being available when opportunities arise is essential. If you're tied up in critical assignments, you might miss out.
• Anticipation: Anticipating upcoming opportunities and positioning yourself as a solution before they are officially posted can give you an edge.
• Managing Workload: Drawing your work to closure and having a replacement ready can make you more promotable when the timing is right.

How important is "Getting Noticed" in career advancement as per the book?

• Beyond Performance: Doing a great job is not enough; you must ensure that the right people know about your accomplishments.
• Communication Network: Developing a communication network outside of your immediate boss and direct reports is crucial for spreading the word about your successes.
• Brag Sheet: Keeping a "brag sheet" of your accomplishments tied to organizational goals can help in managing your work history and reviews.
• Visibility Tactics: Engaging in activities that increase your visibility, such as volunteering for special projects or speaking roles, is important.

What does the book say about "Lifelong Learning"?

• Anticipate Needs: Fast-track careerists anticipate the needs of their organizations and acquire new skills proactively.
• Diverse Learning Sources: Lifelong learning involves using a variety of sources, including the internet, trade publications, and professional associations.
• Autodidact Advantage: Being an autodidact, or self-taught learner, is advantageous as it allows you to obtain critical skills on the fly.
• Skillset Gap Analysis: Regularly assessing and bridging the gap between your current skills and those needed for future roles is essential.

How does "All Business is Sales" apply to career advancement in the book?

• Selling Yourself: Regardless of your role, you are always selling your skills, ideas, and potential to others in the organization.
• Attitude and Perception: A positive attitude and the ability to think like someone else are crucial for influencing others and selling your ideas.
• Persistence and Creativity: Persistence in presenting your ideas and creativity in your messaging can help overcome objections and get to "yes."
• Preparation for Meetings: Preparing thoroughly for meetings and understanding the motivations of others can enhance your ability to sell your ideas effectively.

What is the significance of "Guardian Angels and Benefactors" in the book?

• Support System: Having friends higher up the org chart who believe in you can provide a protective layer and support your career advancement.
• Access to Information: Angels and benefactors can offer valuable information, advice, and counsel, helping you navigate organizational challenges.
• Mentor Relationships: Building mentor relationships can smooth your passage into and upward within an organization, offering guidance and support.
• Likeability Factor: Being likeable and doing favors for others can help cultivate these important relationships.

What does the book suggest about "Moving" for career advancement?

• Career vs. Lifestyle: Choosing career advancement often requires being open to relocation, as it can provide more opportunities for growth.
• Two-Turndown Rule: Many companies have an unwritten rule that turning down two promotions can stall your career, emphasizing the importance of flexibility.
• Negotiation Opportunities: Relocation offers a chance to renegotiate various aspects of your employment, including compensation and benefits.
• Bigger Picture: Considering the long-term career benefits of relocation rather than focusing solely on the immediate assignment is crucial.

How does the book address the role of "Luck" in career success?

• Preparedness: Luck favors those who are prepared. Being ready for opportunities when they arise can make you appear "lucky."
• Nimbleness: Being nimble and open to unexpected opportunities can lead to career advancements that were not part of your original plan.
• Opportunity Recognition: Recognizing and capitalizing on opportunities, even those that come from unexpected sources, is key to leveraging luck.
• Balance of Planning and Flexibility: While planning is important, being flexible and willing to take risks can enhance your career trajectory.