So, you have been working for several years now. Your salary may have changed or stagnated, and this has started to worry you. But that’s not all. Your career seems stuck. You may have enrolled in a master’s program, taken online courses, and even sharpened your digital skills, yet something isn’t right. You are not getting a promotion.
Fresh and younger graduates are coming in, and within a few years, they are already climbing the so-called corporate ladder. Even that intern you mentored is on the verge of becoming your boss.
Career stagnation can be mind-boggling, especially if you have ambitions to grow and build an impressive CV. Some career experts even warn that hiring managers might see it as a red flag if your responsibilities haven’t evolved after years in the same role.
Bizna Kenya spoke to HR expert James Ogweno Odhiambo to shed light on why some professionals remain stuck and what they can do about this not-so-pleasant situation.
Odhiambo explains that many employees believe hard work alone is enough to earn them a promotion. However, this is not always the case.
“You might be excellent at your job, but if key decision-makers don’t know about your contributions, your chances of getting promoted are slim,” he started.
Without visibility, your efforts may go unnoticed, and when promotion decisions are made, your name might not even come up.
Inadequate skills and competencies
While you may have taken courses or even completed a master’s degree, are you acquiring the right skills? Odhiambo posed.
He explained that the job market evolves rapidly, and the skills that got you hired a few years ago may not be what’s required for leadership roles today. As such, the HR expert encouraged staying updated with industry trends and technical advancements.
Failure to demonstrate leadership qualities
According to Odhiambo, promotion isn’t just about doing your current job well. It’s about proving you can handle greater responsibility. “Employers look for individuals who take initiative, solve problems, and show leadership qualities,” he stated, adding that if you’re not stepping up beyond your assigned duties, management may hesitate to promote you.
Weak professional relationships
Odhiambo posits that networking isn’t just about making contacts outside the company; it also plays a crucial role in internal career growth. He says that people in leadership positions tend to recommend those they trust and work well with.
“If you don’t build strong relationships with colleagues and managers, you might be overlooked for promotions,” Odhiambo warns.
Lack of initiative in seeking promotion
Odhiambo observes that some employees assume their work will speak for itself. This is a common saying within the corporate world.
“If you’ve never communicated your career goals to your manager or asked what’s required to move up, they might assume you’re content where you are. Expressing interest in career growth signals to management that you are ready for the next step,” he explains.
Poor performance or unmet expectations
Performance matters. If you have a track record of missed deadlines, errors, or poor workplace behavior, a promotion is unlikely.
“Even if you have the right skills, your work ethic and attitude play a major role in career advancement.”
Company constraints and structural limitations
According to Odhiambo, sometimes the issue isn’t personal. Companies may have a flat structure, budget constraints, or policies limiting internal promotions. This leaves many employees on the same level for years and without a prospect of professional growth.
“If there’s simply no room for growth in your current organization, you might need to explore other opportunities,” he advises.
What you can do to increase your chances of promotion
So, in case you have realised that your career is stagnating and there is no promotion in the offing, what should you do? Odhiambo suggested several ways to tackle this.
Enhance your skills and qualifications
Continuous learning, Odhiambo notes, is essential. He recommends professional courses and certifications from recognized institutions such as the Kenya Institute of Supplies Management (KISM), the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), Udemy and Coursera, among others.
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Build a strong professional network
Engaging with industry leaders and mentors can open doors. You can do this by attending networking events, leveraging LinkedIn, and actively participating in discussions relevant to your field. Visibility extends beyond just your company.
Communicate your career ambitions
If you want to move up, let your boss know. “Schedule performance discussions, ask for feedback, and clearly state your career aspirations,” Odhiambo recommends. This shows initiative and allows management to guide you towards promotion readiness.
Demonstrate leadership qualities
Leadership isn’t just about titles. Odhiambo says you can volunteer for challenging projects, mentor junior colleagues, and take ownership of tasks beyond your job description. Showing you can handle leadership responsibilities before being given a formal role makes promotion a natural step.
Improve workplace relationships
A good attitude and teamwork go a long way. Odhiambo emphasizes that people skills matter. If you have a reputation for being difficult to work with, management may hesitate to promote you.
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Seek additional responsibilities
Prove you can handle more than your current role demands. Ask for more responsibilities, take on cross-functional projects, and show that you can manage bigger tasks. The impact of this is that it makes it easier for management to justify your promotion.
Consider external opportunities
If your organization has limited growth prospects, it might be time to look elsewhere. Yes, look for greener pastures. There is no guilt in this. Do not sacrifice your prospects of growth by unstrategic loyalty. “Sometimes, moving to a different company is the best way to advance your career,” Odhiambo notes. A fresh start can offer better opportunities and a clearer path to growth.
Odhiambo concludes by saying that not getting promoted can be frustrating. However, it’s not always a sign of failure. He encourages employees to understand the reasons behind stagnation and take proactive steps. By doing this, you can improve your career prospects.
