A Woman’s Guide to Confronting Bosses Who Make Excuses
“You met your target, but that’s what you were getting paid for. We need to see more growth before discussing a raise.”
“We’re planning a new position for you in the coming days with more projects. Keep patience.”
“An urgent client meeting got fixed, can we postpone this discussion?”
Is this something you relate to every time you speak about your promotion with your manager? Many professional women consistently deliver exceptional results yet face vague excuses during promotion or raise discussions. This recurring issue can stall career progression and impact self-confidence.
Did you know?
63% of women receive vague feedback without specific guidance for improvement!
For women aiming to advance in their leadership careers, confronting these excuses and advocating for themselves is crucial. This blog provides strategies to ensure your efforts are acknowledged and rewarded.
1. Project Your Accomplishments:
Women must project their accomplishments ‘shamelessly’. Even though you’re capable and a hard worker, everything will go to vain unless you project them powerfully to your stakeholders.
Example: Document your year-long project successes in detail. Prepare a comprehensive report highlighting your achievements and their impact on the business. Use this report as evidence during your performance reviews to make a compelling case for your promotion.
2. Set and Accomplish Big Goals:
Goal setting is not enough; your capabilities shine through when you can accomplish them and show results! Ensure you set challenging goals and create a roadmap that’ll help you accomplish them in a short amount of time!
Example: Set a challenging target, such as increasing department revenue by 20% in six months. Align this goal with your company’s objectives, and track your progress meticulously. Once achieved, use these results to negotiate your career path with your superior.
3. Be Prepared for Excuses:
Anticipate potential objections from your boss and prepare your responses. Connect your achievements directly to the business goals to refute any excuses with solid facts.
Example: When your boss cites budget constraints or other obstacles, counter with data showing how your accomplishments have increased revenue or efficiency. Have concrete examples ready to demonstrate your value to the organisation.
4. Seek Feedback:
If promotions continue to elude you, request specific, actionable feedback. This insight allows you to identify and address any perceived gaps in your performance.
Example: Regularly request detailed feedback from your superiors. Identify any blind spots in your performance and develop a plan to address them. Use this feedback to improve continuously and demonstrate your growth.
5. Advocate for an Action Plan:
If a promotion isn’t immediately available, negotiate a clear action plan with milestones that pave the way for your advancement.
Example: Meet with your boss to discuss a specific action plan that includes clear milestones and timelines. Ensure both parties agree on the steps needed for your promotion, and regularly review your progress.
6. Seek Guidance from a Mentor:
Support from a mentor or advocate within your organisation can significantly impact your career. Their endorsement can boost your visibility and strengthen your case for promotion.
Example: Identify a mentor within your organisation who can provide guidance and support. Leverage their experience to navigate office politics and advocate for your promotion effectively.
Standing up for yourself is crucial to overcoming barriers to promotion, especially for women in the workplace. By addressing excuses head-on and presenting a strong case for your advancement, you prove your value to the organization. It’s about making your achievements impossible to ignore and ensuring your career trajectory reflects your true abilities and dedication.
Don’t let unconvincing excuses hold you back. Equip yourself with the skills to navigate and negotiate your career advancement with our Leadership Masterclass Program.
