Make a list of your strengths. List things you know you’re good at, won awards for, or things others have complimented you for. Consider your challenges. This is a great time to critically assess where you need some work. Common challenges may include how you interact with coworkers, your organizational approach, or the way you manage time. When listing strengths and challenges, think about prior performance evaluations and conversations with supervisors. [1] X Research source
Learn about how you will be evaluated. For instance, does your boss expect certain productivity levels, milestones, or growth? Speak with the person who previously held the job, if possible. They may have insight that can help you understand the job. Say something like “John, can you tell me about some of the challenges or opportunities I might face in this position?” This will work best if that person has been promoted, too. Ask for any appropriate records or documents associated with the position. For instance, if you’re being promoted to general manager of a fast food restaurant, take some time to look at your cash flow and income statements. You may see problems or possibilities where the previous GM did not. [2] X Research source Understand that this will take time. Don’t expect to have completely mastered and understood your new position after a month.
Think about short-term goals and what you need to do on your first day or during the first month after your promotion. This may include hiring new staff or reorganizing a division or department. Think about long-term goals, such as boosting efficiency and productivity. Set personal goals and priorities. For instance, you may look into additional certifications that you can acquire to help you succeed in your new role and move up in the company. Or you may want to take some courses that help you develop skills important in leadership, such as communication or negotiation. [3] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Business Review Online and print journal covering topics related to business management practices Go to source
Use your planner to break large tasks down into smaller, more manageable tasks. For instance, if you have a presentation at the end of the week, schedule time each day to work on a different section so that the deadline doesn’t sneak up on you, leaving you stressed and unprepared.
Reflect on your abilities and think about why you’ve been selected for a promotion. Ask yourself, “Why would management pick me for this position if I was not capable?” Think about your experience, education, and people skills. These are assets that make you a valuable employee.
Practice yoga. Use breathing exercises. For example, when you find yourself becoming stressed or anxious, inhale deeply and slowly exhale while counting to ten. Make time to exercise. Whether it’s yoga or running or just taking a walk around the block, any form of exercise can help you deal with stress. Exercise boosts your endorphins, can be a form of meditation, increases confidence, and improves mood. [4] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Eat healthy. When people are stressed, they often reach for comfort foods to help them feel better. This often leads to overeating and guilt and, if you binge on something sweet, the drastic rise and drop in insulin could cause serious mood swings. Eat healthy, well-balanced meals, and never skip a meal because you think you’re too busy. Embrace mindfulness and live in the moment. To do this, focus on present tasks and keep everything in perspective. By doing this, you’ll keep your stresses in perspective and will effectively manage anxiety. [5] X Research source
Make it clear that you want to both work with and for your new supervisor. When first talking to your supervisor about the promotion, let them know that you “look forward to working with them. ” Ask your boss if there are any priorities they want you to focus on. For instance, say something like, “Jim, before I get started, is there anything you want me to focus on from the get go? I know you have high expectations, and I want to make sure I exceed them. " Always be respectful of your boss. Be deferential and don’t overstep your position or authority. Let your boss know that they are in charge. For example, if your boss prefers you to refer to them by their title (Dr. , Mrs. , or Mr. ), respect that. [6] X Research source
Explain your goals and priorities for the position. For example, explain your short-term, long-term, or personal goals. If you have a meeting about the promotion, make sure you’ve taken the time to look over any associated documents. For instance, say something like “I’ve looked at the comps and the cash flow statement of the location, and I really think that there is a huge opportunity for growth. " Stay focused on your goal and on demonstrating that you are capable and should be promoted.
Say something like “Thank you so much for this opportunity — I’m really looking forward to showing the organization what I can do. ” Let your boss know what aspects of the job you are really looking forward to. For instance, if you’re tasked with the challenge of establishing a new location, let them know that you think it is an exciting opportunity to get into a new market. [7] X Research source
Schedule a lunch with your mentor. Share your concerns and anxieties with your mentor. For example, say something like, “Tom, I’m really nervous about this promotion. I think it entails a level of management I’ve never had before. ” Listen to your mentor. As someone senior in your field, they’ll likely have had similar experiences over the course of their career.
Talk to your significant other. They’ll likely understand your anxieties and insecurities more than anyone else. Thus, they’ll be able to offer comfort that others may not be able to provide. Practice what you’ll say with your boss with your family. Have friends and family put together mock interviews. [8] X Research source
Trusted colleagues have observed you in the work environment and will be able to give you a good idea of your strengths and weaknesses. Say something like “I’m really nervous about this new position. Do you think I can handle it?” Most of the time, they’ll answer in the affirmative and tell you why. Remember to be sensitive to the feelings of people you may work with — you might not be the only one who wanted a promotion. [9] X Research source
