Do we really know what we are getting ourselves into when we go for that promotion? Do you remember your first promotion?

Most of us work hard and try to excel in our jobs so that at some point we can get promoted. By being promoted into a new position, we immediately think of being in charge of something or someone, a raise, and maybe some new found freedom. Think back on how excited you were when you were offered that promotion, I be you accepted it without hesitation. You were proud of your accomplishment and this helped to build up your confidence. This feeling stays with you for a few days where you are just extremely happy. Then after a few days, you begin to mellow out and stabilize.

When we accept that promotion, most of us never even think about what all comes along with that promotion. We just know we wanted it and we got it. I don’t think most of us stop and think about what the promotion really means. This is especially true if this is your first promotion. How could you know….you, don’t have anything to compare it to. The only way you could possibly know is if you investigated and asked questions before you accepted it.

I recall my first promotion, to me, when the opportunity jumped at me, it was all about getting the recognition (which seemed to have arrived a few years late), and thus I grabbed any opportunity to confirm it. What followed was a whole year of struggling to meet expectations. Achieving KPIs used to be easier when it was just me, but suddenly, it felt like I was responsible for underachievements which I could not control, and often, I found myself trying too hard to do too many things. I spoke to the Ambassadors of Voices Of Asia, and I am amazed by what how differently I should have handled it, and perhaps, even wish that I had investigated more before I made that decision.

Here are a few suggestions we got that might help you make your decision on whether or not you accept that promotion.

• The first thing you want to do is contain your excitement, remain professional, and inquire about what all the promotion entails. You want to get all the facts. Tell your boss you appreciate the offer but need to know all the facts so you can make an informed decision. You need time to investigate so you can make the right decision that is best for you and your family (if you have one).
• If you are a newbie who is being promoted into a supervisory or management position with no previous supervisory or management experience, you want to make sure that you will have a mentor and receive training that will be provided to you by the organization at their expense. You need to know the company’s expectations for your performance and if there will be a probationary period for the new position,
• Make sure you request a copy of the job description and once you have received it, review it on your own and write down any questions you may have. Schedule a time to review the questions you have with your boss.
• What is the compensation for the new position? What are the hours? Will your status change from non-exempt to exempt? What exactly does all of this mean? Will people be reporting to you? As a boss, what are your expectations of me? What happens to me if I don’t pass my probationary period, do I get my old job back or at least a comparable position?
• Gather all your information, make sure you have all your questions answered, and then review everything with someone you trust, such as your spouse, significant other, a friend or family member. Once you have made your decision, arrange to meet with your boss. Be honest in your response. If you choose not to take the job, then make sure you let your boss know the reasons why and let them know if you are open to future advancement that may better fit your qualifications and interest.

You can use these suggestions whether you are already in a supervisory or management position or even if you are a newbie. The key is to see the big picture. You will have adjustments to make. You want to be happy at what you do. It’s important for you to like your job and feel like you are making a contribution to the organization. You want to succeed personally and professionally.

Just make sure you make the decision that is best for you. Think about what you are taking on, giving up, and is it worth it to you? If it is, then go for it.

I hope this information is useful for you and could help prevent potential unhappiness at work in the future. God bless.