How to get promoted in 2011

A new year is upon us. This is a time when many of us reflect on the past year and we set goals for the year ahead. As you set your personal goals, consider what action steps you will take to move your career to the next level in the new year. Here are three leadership strategies to help you get promoted in 2011.

1) Align your performance goals with your company's goals. One sure fire way to kick things up a notch in your career is to align your performance goals for the year with your company's goals. Make it a point to become familiar with your company's goals for the coming year. Think beyond the everyday routine of your job and take the time to think about how your role and function within your organization can best support your company's initiatives. Work with your boss to measure your progress against your goals on a quarterly basis. This approach is just one positive step you can take towards attaining a promotion.

2) Invest in your personal development. Take a moment to think about a professional goal that you want to achieve and commit to making an investment to attain it. I always find it interesting how many people are quick to spend hundreds and even thousands of dollars on tickets to sporting events, fashionable clothes or the latest electronic gadgets, but hesitate to spend money on their personal development. Here's a good rule of thumb to test whether you're committed to your personal development: a commitment will show up on your calendar and in your wallet. You can begin by setting a personal development budget. For example, let's say you dedicate $250 towards your personal development for the year. You can invest $125 on a coaching session, $50 on a set of audio CDs, $50 on a seminar and $25 on a book. It's that simple. Remember, it's an investment with an expected return. If the investment helps you develop new insights and skills that lead to a promotion, your investment will more than have paid for itself.

3) Develop your network: Make a list of key people within your organization that you want to connect and reconnect with. As you identify these people, be sure to include people who are influential within your organization. Connect with "movers and shakers." Include someone who can help introduce you to others as well as someone that can create opportunities for you. Your goal is to be strategic and intentional about who you want in your circle. Then, purposefully build those relationships. If you apply these leadership strategies, you will set a strong foundation for a promotion in 2011.

Ellie Nieves is a women's leadership speaker. Through her keynote presentations, breakouts, retreats and workshops she helps women to develop leadership skills, set strategic goals, bolster effectiveness and create a personal brand. For more information visit www.EllieNieves.com or e-mail ellie@ellienieves.com.

© 2010 by Ellie Nieves. All rights reserved. Reprints must include byline, contact information and copyright.