A Project Manager's Guide to Getting Promoted

It’s All About You

The most significant project you will ever take on as a project management professional is strategically managing your own career. It requires thoughtful planning, a solid understanding of your environment, and the ability to demonstrate your unique skills and worth. It is also not entirely within your control how it will turn out, similar to the complicated projects you have led. Additionally, timing and luck play a role. In this guide, I will share some tactics and perspectives tailored for project managers looking to advance in their careers. Whether you are a seasoned PMO leader or relatively new to the profession, I hope my (unsolicited) advice can assist you in realizing your full potential and pave the way to the promotion you deserve.

Recognizing your Promotion Landscape

A project manager's career path is unique because it requires technical expertise, people skills, and strategic thinking, with their relative importance shifting as you ascend. Project managers usually start out as independent contributors, handling the tactical parts of project execution like plan creation, meeting facilitation, and following up on action items. As you advance, the position expands to include stakeholder management and eventually strategic planning and execution.

But reaching new heights means more than just checking off the list of capabilities you need to showcase. It requires an understanding of the culture and values of your organization. Companies value different things when it comes to promotions. While some may place more emphasis on technical proficiency and reliable project delivery, others may place more value on leadership and creative thinking. It is critical to understand these requirements.

The way your organization (and, more importantly, your direct manager) views project management as a profession in and of itself is a significant factor that we go into further detail about on Future of Work 2.0. The harsh reality is that the number of director-level roles in project management is lower than what your colleagues in product, engineering, and marketing will likely encounter. Rather than viewing project managers as strategic delivery leaders, many executives view people in the role as tactical "get things done" resources. It is common for project managers to get bogged down in the minutiae of projects, so senior leaders have rarely seen strategic leaders emerge from the project management ranks. Nevertheless, every obstacle presents an opportunity, and here are four tactics you can use to land that desired promotion. 

Four Key Strategies for Earning a Promotion

1. Show Your Value and Impact

Being able to prove your worth and influence is essential in the field of project management. This extends beyond just finishing tasks on schedule and within the allocated budget. Doing those well merely “meets” expectations. Instead, it requires you to demonstrate how your work contributes to and advances the organization's overarching strategic objectives.

Assess Your Impact: Start by ensuring that your project accomplishments are thoroughly recorded. This is about the process, not just the outcome. Stress the ways in which you overcame obstacles, made the most use of available resources, and maybe even invented new procedures. Make your point more tangible by using metrics and data. For example, were project timelines shortened by 20% or operating expenses significantly decreased as a result of your efforts? These are the figures that speak volumes.

Align with Organizational Goals: Your projects should not exist in a vacuum. They must be in line with the organization's strategic objectives. Every project has an underlying business objective, or several, that drove the decision to invest in it. Your executive sponsor is thinking about this objective, so showcase your strategic acumen and commitment to the company's success by regularly sharing the objective with the team and in all project discussions. You should be the one to connect every important decision point back to the overall strategic goal.

Make your Boss Superfluous: Your executive sponsor will step aside and allow you to "run with it" if she observes you taking on her responsibilities with regards to your project, such as advancing the strategic objective and posing difficult questions to the team. I refer to this as "director-making behavior." Executives have far too much on their plates, so when they see that you have your project well under control and can voice their opinions without them being present, they will turn their focus elsewhere. This "aha" moment was the defining factor that got me promoted to Director of Program Management at a large tech company.

2. Increase Your Range of Skills

Maintaining an ever-expanding skill set is essential to getting promoted as a project manager. This entails striking a balance between technical know-how, soft skills, and strategic thinking. While their relative importance varies throughout your career, they are all essential.

Technical Proficiency: Technical skills are critical at the beginning of your career (manager-level) and are table-stakes for the entirety of it. The technical landscape is constantly evolving. Stay updated with the latest project management software, artificial intelligence, methodologies (like Agile and Lean), and industry-specific knowledge. Getting specialized training or certifications early in your career can help you show that you are committed to professional development and can also greatly strengthen your technical understanding.

Developing Soft Skills: While technical skills are a must for all project managers, soft skills are necessary to advance to the director level. Place a strong emphasis on acquiring abilities like leadership, flexibility, problem-solving, and excellent communication. These abilities help you create a positive work environment, manage teams more skillfully, and overcome challenging project obstacles. You must be able to manage a team that includes a variety of professionals, such as an intellectual property lawyer, financial tax manager, HR business partner, and engineering architect—sometimes on the same team! I have discovered that the best strategy in this situation is to let my natural curiosity open me up to each team member’s area of expertise. At the same time, I developed my ability to be an interpreter between various functional types. I have noticed that executives “speak” PowerPoint, finance “speaks” Excel, Legal “speaks” Word, and Engineering “speaks” Slack. Invest time to be able to communicate in all of these "languages.”

Strategic Mindset: As previously indicated, another prerequisite for director-level and higher positions is comprehending and supporting the strategic goals underlying your projects. Executives don’t really want to know about the delivery status of your project milestones and deliverables. They truly care about achieving the strategic outcomes that led to dedicating time and resources to your project. More than anybody else, you must be committed to reaching those goals, and you must view the tasks, deliverables, and milestones as merely a means to an end, just like your senior leaders do.

Methods to Improve Your Skills:

• Formal Education and Training: Enroll in classes or workshops aimed at developing particular skills you would like to acquire. Many specialized courses designed specifically for project managers are available on online platforms.

• Self-Training: AI will revolutionize project management in ways that none of us have ever witnessed in our professional lives. Be the go-to person at your company for project management + AI by experimenting with the tools yourself, following the trends, and becoming an authority on the subject.

• Mentoring and networking: Seek guidance from seasoned experts in the field. Their perspectives can offer priceless advice on navigating career advancement. Participate actively in industry forums and networks as well. These platforms provide access to a range of viewpoints and methods.

• On-the-Job Learning: Offer to help with a variety of difficult projects. The distinct challenges and educational opportunities that each project offers greatly aid your professional development. However, regardless of the significance of the project and how you feel about it, always perform quality work. Nothing kills your promotion chances like doing a less-than-stellar job.

3. Build a Strong Network

One of the most important strategic tools in your promotion quest is networking, both inside and outside of your company. It is about establishing connections that benefit both parties and have the power to lead to fresh perspectives and  opportunities.

Internal Networking: Within your organization, focus on building relationships across different departments. In addition to making you more visible, this also improves your comprehension of various business facets—a crucial ability for any project manager. Engage in cross-departmental projects or committees to broaden your internal network. I recall a moment when my boss once said, “You know that person too?!? Is there anyone you don’t know at this company?” That is a good thing to hear.

External Networking: Extend your professional network by participating in industry conferences, seminars, and online forums. These platforms provide chances to network with colleagues, mentors, and business executives. They can provide fresh perspectives, advice, and even job opportunities. Join project management networking groups as well and contribute to the conversation.

Effective Networking Strategies:

• Be Genuine: There is more to networking than just trading contact info. It's about building authentic relationships. Be sincerely interested in what others are doing, and offer assistance when needed.

• Connect When You Don’t Need Anything: I always make it a point to drop by and speak with someone when I don’t need anything at all from them. You don’t want people to see you coming and think, “Oh no, here comes the project manager to ask me about my deliverable.” Relationships aren’t built when you are being transactional.

• Stay Active on Professional Platforms: Platforms like LinkedIn are crucial for professional networking. Share your insights, join relevant groups, and engage with content posted by your connections. Ensure that you are participating in the discussion rather than merely listening in.

4. Take the Initiative to Lead

Among the most important differentiators for project managers hoping to advance is their readiness to take the lead. To do this, you must actively look for ways to benefit your team and company by going above and beyond the duties you have been given. 

Lead When it Matters: Take charge in challenging situations or when new initiatives arise. This shows that you are capable of taking on more responsibility and that you are prepared for a more senior position. As I was working to be promoted to director, a major tipping point was when I realized that certain meetings were too important to the project to be delegated to others, and I scheduled and led them personally. A leader knows when to take the wheel.

Volunteer for High-Impact Projects: Show your willingness to take on projects that have high visibility and strategic importance. Leading these kinds of projects to success can greatly raise your profile. Caution: Before offering your assistance on a project outside of your area, discuss it with your direct manager. "Executives do not like surprises" is a timeless reminder.

Be a Problem Solver: Offer solutions when difficulties emerge. Always include at least one well-thought-out solution when presenting a problem. This demonstrates your capacity for strategic thought under duress.

Remember that the journey to promotion is as much about personal growth as it is about professional advancement. Stay committed to your development, be open to feedback, and maintain a balance between your aspirations and the value you bring to your organization.

Positioning Yourself for Promotion

Effectively positioning oneself within the organization is just as important to getting promoted in project management as having hard work and skills.

Visibility and Influence: Increasing your visibility is key. But ensure that your work is acknowledged without resorting to bragging about your achievements. Share the results of your projects with decision-makers in team meetings, corporate newsletters, or on any other platform. Keep in mind that you are highlighting the accomplishments of the team and the project, not yourself. Always praise the team, and you will reap the benefits personally as well.

Making the Most of Performance Reviews and Feedback: Performance reviews offer more than just an assessment of your work; they are also a chance to talk about your goals for your career. Make use of these meetings to convey your desire to assume greater responsibility and to get feedback on areas that need work.

Communicating Your Career Goals: It's essential to communicate your career goals clearly to your superiors. Discuss your aspirations and seek advice on how to achieve them. Find out specifically from your boss what they need to see from you to show that you are prepared for the next level. After that, be sure to carry out those actions precisely. When you act on someone’s advice, it shows that you value their opinions.

Tips for Effective Positioning:

• Record Your Accomplishments: Maintain a running tab of your accomplishments, project successes, and any honors or encouraging remarks you get.

• Mentorship: Look for mentors who can help you with your career path, give you advice, and possibly even act as your internal advocate at work.

• Professional Development: Continuously seek opportunities for professional development. This shows your commitment to your role and the field of project management.

Navigating Challenges and Setbacks

The path to promotion is rarely smooth. It is full of difficulties and disappointments, but how you get over them can make you stand out.

Be Patient (Within Reason): When I was striving for promotion from senior manager to director, I was sure I would get it during a specific annual cycle, but I did not. Though I was deeply disappointed, I asked my boss for specific feedback and made the adjustments he requested after giving it some thought. Promotions always feel overdue to the individual. This is a result of your perception that, long before your manager notices your new behavior, you are fully prepared for responsibilities at the next level. It may require a year or more of operating consistently at a higher level before the title is granted. Having said that, there are situations in which your promotion is unlikely, in which case you should be honest with yourself and look for another position that will allow you to advance.

Dealing with Limited Opportunities: Sometimes, the opportunities for advancement within an organization are limited. In these situations, think about taking lateral actions that can broaden your experience and skill set and increase your appeal as a candidate for promotions in the future. Despite my belief that project management is a great career path, I have witnessed friends who made lateral moves into product, sales, and marketing thrive.

Adapting to Organizational Changes: A career path disruption may occur due to organizational changes. Remain flexible, and take advantage of these changes as a chance to show off your resilience and adaptability. Keep in mind that new leadership is evaluating their team to determine who can best support them in their goals. Now is the time to pull out the stops and make your best impression possible.

Overcoming Skill Gaps: If you identify gaps in your skills, take proactive steps to address them. This could involve additional training, seeking mentorship, or taking on projects that push you out of your comfort zone.

Strategies for Overcoming Challenges:

• Seek Feedback: Consult mentors, supervisors, and peers on a regular basis for feedback. This can show you where you need to improve and how other people in the company perceive you. Take action on every piece of advice you are given.

• Be Resilient: Develop resilience by seeing failures as teaching moments. Even when things get tough, having this mentality will help you stay motivated and focused. Leaders promote individuals who stay strong when times are tough.

• Stay Informed: Keep abreast of industry trends and project management developments. This knowledge can help you anticipate and adapt to changes, positioning yourself as a valuable asset to your organization.

Finally

A project manager's career advancement is a never-ending process of both professional and personal development, not just about getting to a higher position. There is a reason that adults who go back to school get better grades. They realized that learning is the main objective and that grades are secondary. Your career advancement is no different. If obtaining a higher title is your only objective, you will never be satisfied with the pace of that advancement. And that only gets slower the higher you go. Making director took me twice as long as making manager, but making VP took me nearly twice as long as director. Your journey should focus instead on how to consistently grow your level of contribution to your organization. If you do that, the title growth will take care of itself.

Key Takeaways:

• Showcase Your Value: Consistently demonstrate the impact and value of your work. Align your achievements with the strategic goals of the organization.

• Seek Opportunities: Be proactive in seeking opportunities for leadership and greater responsibility. Demonstrate your readiness and ability to take on a more challenging role. .

• Continuous Learning: Stay committed to expanding your skills and knowledge. The field of project management is dynamic (and getting more so), and keeping pace with its evolution is crucial.

• Build Relationships: Cultivate strong networks both inside and outside your organization. These connections may prove to be crucial for your professional advancement.

• Adaptability and Resilience: Embrace challenges and changes as opportunities for growth. Your capacity for adaptation and ability to overcome obstacles serve as examples of your leadership abilities.

Keep in mind that getting promoted is not the ultimate goal; rather, it is a concrete outcome of your efforts to advance and demonstrate your project management skills. Remain committed to your objectives, remain receptive to criticism, and strike a balance between your personal and professional contributions to your company. Although the road may not always be easy to follow, you will be well-prepared to handle it if you have perseverance, flexibility, and smart planning.

I hope this guide serves as a springboard for you as you strive to reach your professional goals. Your dedication, skills, and leadership have the power to not only advance your career but also elevate the reputation of the project management profession among everyone you work with. Here's to your continued success as a project manager!