8 acts that could cost you a promotion

It’s promotion time again, and again your boss passes you over and offers the promotion to a co-worker. But why?

The reasons that your boss may be overlooking you for a promotion are simpler than you think, writes syndicated columnist Anita Bruzzese:

1.  You behave badly. Gossiping, complaining, inappropriately swearing and offending co-workers are surefire ways to get your boss’s attention in the wrong way.

This type of bad behavior tells your boss that you’re not ready for a leadership position.

2.  You lack initiative. During a project, if you can’t take the next step without help from a supervisor or co-workers, you communicate to the boss that you need supervision and that new challenges are too difficult for you.

3.  You can’t take feedback. If you have a difficult time accepting feedback without pouting over the criticism, you send the message that you may not be mature enough to handle more intense positions up the corporate ladder.

4.  You rush out the door. If you’re the first person to rush out of the office every day, you send the signal to your boss that you don’t think your job is important—or that you don’t like it.

Try lingering a few minutes after work to show your boss that other activities are not more important than your job.

5.  You haven’t told anyone. Your boss may not know that you want a promotion unless you ask. Speak up and inform your boss of your career intentions and that you would like to take on more responsibility.

6.  You lack the skills. Don’t ask for a promotion until you know exactly what skills are required for the position you seek.

Then, take stock of your abilities. Bosses want well-rounded individuals who don’t require lots of hand-holding.

7.  You don’t offer good suggestions. Do you offer suggestions that actually help the company? Show your boss that you are thinking about the company’s bottom line by speaking up and offering viable ideas.

8.  You’re too good at your job. If you are the only one that knows how to do your job, it may be difficult to replace you.

Take the time to show your boss that you are able to coach others to cover for you as you expand into other areas.

— Adapted from “Why Your Boss Still Hasn’t Promoted You: It All Comes Down to This,” Anita Bruzzese, Intuit’s “The Fast Track” blog.