Promotion Power Shifts

Congratulations, you have got a well-deserved promotion. Now what? May seem like a silly question because you are no doubt bursting with ideas, plans, and structural or strategic changes you are going to implement – and that is just the first 90 days! But before you rush in, pause for a moment to consider this.

One of the most potent sources of power (those assets which get others to do what you want, often without asking) is status, role or position. Others include resources, image and impact (see the Personal Power Diagnostic for more on these). With your promotion, all of these are going to be rising in potential, particularly because promotion also gets you much more visibility too.

So, people will be responding to these changes. As they realise your power has increased, they will start to engage differently with you. Some will shy away, unsure about how your relationship has changed. Others will be more proactive in getting your approval and buy-in. Indeed, you have suddenly become a more powerful stakeholder for all those around you. Friends, colleagues, opponents and allies will all, consciously or unconsciously, pause to consider how your promotion changes their relationship with you.

In these first 90 days, remember that every word you utter will contribute to their re-evaluation. What used to be passed off as a minor comment could now take on a whole new significance given your elevated status. There is no need to let this paralyse you, just make sure and keep this at the back of your mind as you quickly move things forward.

We'd love to hear what you think about this. Please email us or post on our new Facebook Wall.