What do you do if you're unsure about pursuing a promotion?

Often we look at a job description for a role we want and see if we check all the boxes. Job descriptions are often poorly written and are not a perfect reflection of the role. Don't compare yourself to a job description. When we do that, we often discount ourselves. Instead do some reflection of what you want out of your next opportunity based on your values, your growth, and goals? Does that role give you that opportunity? Next, what critical experiences have you accomplished and how do your strengths make you a good candidate for the next opportunity?

It is obviously necessary to understand the ROLE, their responsibilities, empowerment, etc. However, it is valuable to look at this from a very pragmatic angle: which TASKS are you going to do, daily, weekly, monthly. Simple. This TASK exercise complements the ROLE exercise, which sometimes is very abstract and can lead to future frustrations.

Before pursuing a promotion, assess its alignment with your long-term career goals. Reflect on whether the new role supports your professional growth in your intended direction. Consider if it matches your skills, passions, and if it offers exciting challenges conducive to career development.

While you may be concerned about the impact on your professional network and reputation, I advise you to view this opportunity positively. A promotion can provide you with new tasks, responsibilities, and opportunities for advancement, all of which can considerably advance your career. By using this opportunity to demonstrate increased leadership and experience, you can position yourself as a valuable asset to your organisation and improve your reputation in the engineering community. Consider the advantages and drawbacks, seek counsel from reliable mentors, and believe in your ability to make the best option for your long-term professional goals.

If you envision yourself in the position.. Go for it! Sometimes it is about the experience and just knowing you are qualified for the job is gratifying!

So often those considering promotion get struck down by Imposter Syndrome- people get so nervous that even the word can be spelled in different ways (Impostor Syndrome). Mentoring can help you make sense of HOW you add value.

Specific, skill based, timely, and for acquiring a piece to accomplish to whole. This is the essence of mentorship. You want a promotion but aren’t sure how to proceed. Recognize your outside of your skill set, for now. Seek someone who can help you craft the skill set to accomplish this piece of your career journey. The journey is the larger picture. A raise is part of the adventure you need help with. So go get it via mentoring! Everyone is a freshman at something. Lean into another’s expertise so you can acquire specifically what you need for this part of your journey.

After you've listened to the reasons your manager or boss gave for taking the promotion, you can confidently repeat your decision to decline the promotion. Restate your concerns or reasons for declining the offer again if needed.

Getting advise from a mentor, someone you trust and has experience in the industry and role your in and/or pursuing will give you valuable feedback to help you with your decision.

I would like to put across a famous quote here "We can't solve our problems by the thinking which created it" If I am struggling with a situation inspite of my best efforts,I would seek a mentor who has experienced a similar situation and overcame it victoriously. This helps me to get a solution without losing out on time and effort.I am big believer of solution based approach to thinking.

When considering a new role, it's important to evaluate how well it aligns with your existing skills and the skills you aim to acquire. If there's a discrepancy, determine if you're ready to close that gap through additional training or learning on the job. Additionally, assess the company's culture and the dynamics of the team you will lead or join, as these factors are crucial in ensuring that the role helps you progress in a way that's truly beneficial for your career path. For example, if you're an engineer looking to move into management, check if the new role offers opportunities to develop necessary leadership and communication skills while also fitting well with your personal values and the organizational culture.

Companies invest time and resources into the newly promoted, and if you know you're not in it for the long haul, it's better to just say no. You'll help preserve your reputation by not leaving your current company in a lurch, and keep yourself committed to what's next.

Understand that promotions are not about doing more of what you do now, they are about stepping into a new skill set. Its wise to ensure you have these skills before stepping up to a new role as you want to have the competence needed to perform at a reasonable level as soon as you take the opportunity, rather than being in a sink or swim scenario which could end badly if you dont have the support you need.

There are also impacts on your personal life when you start taking promotions. Some may be temporary while you gain new skills and other times it will be sacrifices that come with the new role and responsibility. Be sure you understand these and agree with the differences, before accepting.

Typically, two years is the minimum duration that most people would wait to get a promotion. Working for four to five years without getting promoted will risk damaging your future career prospects.

Finding a mentor who has worked in that role or position previously is valuable. They will be able to provide you with insight and guidance for the journey.

Consistently Do “Above and Beyond” Work. ... Be Hungry for Growth, Not Status. ... Work on Continuous (Self) Improvement. ... Look for Long-Term Projects. ... Work on Your Collaboration Skills.

There will always be a level of risk with every promotion. Its about understanding if your ready and prepared to take the risks involved. Finding a mentor is a good way to get an outside perspective.