Promotions may be the most misunderstood aspect of management.
While promotions create motivation and engagement, and demonstrate recognition of individuals, they are not just a reward for good performance. A promotion is the process of adding more responsibility to an employee’s role in the organization.
Following this logic, the best candidate for promotion is not necessarily your team’s top performer. While the criteria for promotion will differ for every job, there are some common trails to look for.
Perhaps the most important is skilled communication. While good communication is desirable in every position, it is a prized asset in a manager. The ability to handle conflict, give feedback, and manage difficult people makes a strong manager in any situation.
Not to be overlooked is a person’s ability to handle failure. While some employees look for excuses and scapegoats, other will accept responsibility and use the setback as a platform for learning and growth.
Finally, remember that promotions groom your organization’s future leadership. Choosing candidates who understand – and demonstrate – your mission and values ensure the seamless continuation of your organization’s culture.
In summary, promotions are an incubator for leadership. While competency is important, always consider the skills and talents your candidate will need in the future, as part of your leadership class.