Promotions are commonplace in the working world. Everyday people get lifted from one role to another, with all the increases in pay and benefits that tend to come with it. In fact, it’s so commonplace that when it comes to promoting in your own workplace, you might do it without a second thought!
But that can lead to hasty, poorly thought out promotions, which you have to readily backtrack when things go a bit too wrong for your comfort. As such, there are a few things you should do before giving an employee a more senior position within your business; here are three of the most essential to get out of the way beforehand.
Clearly Outline Expectations
No employee succeeds when they have zero clue of what’s expected of them. Don’t leave them to work things out on their own. Give them a clear setlist of what will be required in this new role, and give them a chance to air any of their own concerns in the meantime.
Train Them
Employee development is very much an ongoing, never ending process in the working world – as it should be! You should be providing more career opportunities for your staff, as not only does this benefit them, but it ensures you have talented, multi-skilled employees on the payroll.
That’s why it’s essential to send an employee through a training program or two before promotion. This will ensure they have the right knowhow for the role, and at the very least, will provide a framework for what will be required of them in the future.
A Supervisor and Manager Training Program is often the best place to start, but depending on the nature of the work you do, you could need to invest in a number of training schemes. And remember, if the training is going to cost, you absolutely need to pick the right person for it!
Give Them an Opportunity
Before you raise someone to a promoted position, it’s best to double check they’re ready for this higher level of authority and responsibility. You can do this by giving them chances to test their skills, and even ‘prove’ what they’re really capable of.
You know the employee is a good and reliable worker, or you wouldn’t be putting them up for promotion in the first place! That being said, there’s a world of difference between what they can do and what they will need to do. You’re looking for areas where their skills need sharpening, or they need a refresher on the best course of action.
You’re also looking for their strengths regarding the role. For example, they may have a lot more empathy in a dispute than you were expecting, and that elevates how approachable and personable they can be as a manager.
Want to promote within your organization? Make sure you’re preparing your staff for the work ahead. From expectations to training to seeing them in action, go through all three for best results.
