This week, I'm going to talk about the 5 steps you can go through to get a promotion in your workplace. Whether your an Fin Mger, wanting that F/C or Head of Finance role. Or you're Group F/C and want that CFO role, whatever it is - take a look at these 5 steps to help you.

Firstly, I just wanted to mention that I put together a free guide on leaderships skills to demonstrate to the business whether you're brand new to your leadership role or asking for that promotion. Click here if you wanted to download this free guide.

If you’re hoping to get a promotion, you probably feel ready to put your skills and experience to good use in a management or director role. Now is the time to be focusing on your growth and professional development. When opportunities arise, as they often do within SMEs and fast growth businesses, you want to be ready to lead the organisation forward.

Here I outline some ways you can put yourself in the best position for a higher position in leadership.

1. Does your company’s long-term direction align with yours?
Take a look at the values and vision of your organisation, and your own long-term career goals. How closely does your company or finance department’s goals align with yours? Businesses need leaders that truly believe in their mission to move forward and make it happen. If you’re not clear on the direction your business is heading in, have a conversation with your department director, or manager.

2. Find ways to make a difference
Now is the perfect time to grow your leadership skills and get out of your comfort zone. You and your management know the ways you have added value until now. Are there some new things you can take ownership of, or a system you can introduce that will solve a problem your business is facing? By being the person that offers a valuable solution that makes the work of your directors and colleagues easier, you will be demonstrating your capability to bring positive change.

If there are skills that you need to work on, finding things to do that allow you to develop those skills by learning on the job will show your proactivity, as well as increasing your confidence. To add to this, you may wish to look into training and learning opportunities to fill any skill gaps to advance the organisation and develop yourself.

3. Discuss your goals with senior management
Get your boss involved in your development and let them know what you are aiming for. They have first-hand experience of being in the role you are hoping for and will have insights and valuable advice. Asking them what is required, and what it takes to advance to a management or director role will show them that you have realistic expectations and are prepared to do the work needed.

Your manager may be able to help you put together a list of areas to work on, and a plan of action to get where you need to be. If they know what you are aiming for, they can help you get there.

4. Find a coach or mentor
Working with a coach outside of your organisation, but with experience in financial leadership in the area you are interested in. They will be able to offer priceless feedback that can help you move towards opportunities in a more focused way than you would if you were going it alone. Coaching can help you find your own answers and actions you need to take, as well as point out potential roadblocks you may not have seen.

With a coach, you can get the best out of yourself as a professional. It’s a valuable investment in your future.

5. Define your next steps
Following the advice we’ve outlined will clarify more specifically the changes you need to make in your finance career. Knowing your next steps and being accountable for them puts you in control of your development. Everyone’s journey to promotion and leadership will look different, and your next steps are likely to change and evolve as you move forward.

If you’re looking for your next step in your finance career, the Finance Director/CFO course will take you through the fundamentals of finance leadership over 8 weeks (starting on the 30th January 2023!). It’s ideal for those who work in a fast growth business and have recently been promoted to a director or C-suite role, or are looking to upskill.  Enrol now!

Links:

1. Get your FREE Guide: Stepping into the role of Finance Director or CFO
2. Follow me and let me know what challenges you are having right now.
3. Register for the mini-course, Upgrade your Management Accounts and get noticed by the business 
4. Work with me in the new / aspiring FD course and includes Q&A sessions where we can discuss all of your questions and how to apply your learnings to your current role.