I work very hard, how come I never get promoted?

Q. How do I get my boss to notice me? I feel invisible at work, yet I am a good worker. It seems as if the busy bodies are the ones that get noticed at work and get promoted while the worker bees, like me, who do the actual work, get the leftovers. As a result, each time there’s a layoff, I fear that will lose my job. How do I stand out? 

Besides performance, there are other competencies that employers look for before picking a candidate for a promotion. You may be excelling in your work, which is important as it demonstrates you can be relied upon to deliver, but perhaps you have not demonstrated resourcefulness in other skills that require higher responsibilities.

Some roles may require that you supervise others, and if your interpersonal skills or relationship management skills are wanting, you may be be passed on. Other requirements may include higher levels of influencing, reporting, analysis or flexibility in reporting or leaving the office.

I will list a few behavioural traits that bosses like to see in their employees. They like employees who are competent and dependable, employees who are not just average but deliver superior performance and are willing to go out of their comfort zone to make things happen. Employees who not only ask questions, but bring in fresh ideas and innovative suggestions. Before you read discrimination, understand what your boss values most from the team and demonstrate capability in delivering and exceeding that expectation in a professional way. Seek feedback on how you are doing, seek suggestions on areas you need to strengthen and ask for tasks that stretch your capabilities to demonstrate you are ready for a bigger challenge.

Bosses have great influence in propelling your career growth in the right direction. Or stagnate it. With this in mind, find out whether your boss is a truly inspiring and objective leader who desires to nurture and grow potential in others.

If it is clear that your colleagues who have been promoted do not at all merit the move, you might want to start looking for a boss who plays fair. The saying that employees leave bosses, not organisations, is a very valid statement. Do not be afraid to seek a leader who recognises your worth and potential.