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It's going to be a marathon, not a sprint.
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Congratulations! Your organization has just informed you that you have been appointed to a new interim role, and that if you are successful the actual job will be yours. You immediately experience feelings that are powerful but mixed: Getting this interim role is a meaningful validation of your contributions, talent, and potential, but why the trial period? Couldn’t they have given you the job without it being "interim?" Is the actual job yours to win or yours to lose? Will you get the support you need to succeed?
You may think that the interim role is putting you in a Catch-22-like situation: You have to prove that you can be successful in order to get the actual job, but uncertainty undermines your status and challenges your ability to succeed. Here are some suggestions for increasing the likelihood of your success in an interim role:
Ask "Why?" Knowing why you have been chosen for an interim role will help you formulate a strategy for keeping the job long term. It may be that your predecessor is ambivalent about succession or has not set a clear timetable for retirement. Or there may be systemic bias in your organization — your age, experience, gender, or race may cause the "old boys’ club" in senior management to believe that you need training wheels before you can take on a senior-level job. Perhaps, for whatever reason, you do not have a broad enough internal network or deep enough support for your candidacy. Or maybe you have an innovative, disruptive vision that others are simply not ready for or are resistant to.
To gain a better understanding of how organizational factors and your personal attributes may influence your current situation, ask trusted colleagues, coaches, mentors, or sponsors for their views on why you specifically have been offered the interim role.
Have patience. While you don’t want to signal that you will be comfortable serving in an interim capacity indefinitely, it’s important not to push too hard or too fast for closure. At a certain point you may be tempted to force the organization’s hand, either by threatening to quit or by letting your boss, senior management, or HR know that you plan to begin searching for a different role inside the company or elsewhere. However, doing so can damage important relationships.
When you convey to others in the organization that you will quit if you don’t get the job soon, you are both lowering their assessment of the probability of future interaction with you and diminishing their perceived incentive to collaborate with you, both of which are key predictors of people being "prosocial" and collaborative. Although you may hope that your path to promotion will be a sprint, it may feel more like a marathon.
Focus on learning. Approach the interim role as a joint problem-solving exercise, one involving you, your boss, and others in the organization. If the organization offers you a leadership development program, a management course, or an opportunity to have a mentor or to work with an executive coach, think of it as a chance to enhance your skills, rather than a remedial exercise, and accept the invitation.
By taking a learning approach, being open to feedback, and demonstrating commitment to professional development and continuous improvement as a leader and manager, you can empower your supporters in the organization to more effectively advocate for your candidacy.
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A boss who doesn't advocate for you can stunt your growth and block your career opportunities. And you might not even know that you have an unsupportive boss. Most advocacy happens behind the scenes. When you found out you have one, the knee-jerk reaction is to self-promote. But that can backfire in the workplace. You need to start by understanding why your boss isn't advocating for you. Proactively solicit the gift of your boss's feedback. Consider getting a coach. You just might not have earned your boss's advocacy yet. Assuming your performance is strong, here are three steps you can take. First, release your boss from your unmet expectations. You can't shame someone into being your advocate. Second, find another advocate. The ideal sponsor is a powerful, high-ranking ally within your organization. Third, build your network inside and outside of the organization. We all need champions.
It may not be your fault, but it is your problem.
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Having a great boss is a potentially life-changing gift. On the other hand, many of us know firsthand that having a bad boss can cause a lot of drama, headaches, and stress. While it’s easy to love the great bosses and flee the bad ones, there’s one kind of boss that’s much less straightforward to navigate: the boss who doesn’t advocate for you.
You might not even know that you have one. Most advocacy happens behind the scenes and in conversations to which you yourself are not privy. As the adage goes, 80% of what’s said about you is said when you’re not in the room. Non-advocating bosses can refuse to bring up your name favorably in the promotion conversation. They can withhold critical developmental feedback and stunt your growth. And they can even overtly undermine you and attempt to sabotage your long-term career prospects.
When you discover you have a boss who isn’t advocating for you, the knee-jerk reaction is often to advocate for yourself and become your own PR machine. That’s often a mistake. Too much blatant self-promotion in the workplace can backfire and signal that you are narcissistic, egotistical, and ultimately unconcerned about the greater good. You ideally want others tooting your horn for you. Before taking action to close this critical advocacy gap, you’ll want to understand why your boss isn’t advocating for you.
First, consider the possibility that you are actually the problem. In other words, you may not have a bad boss — you just might not have developed enough or demonstrated the skill necessary for the boss to advocate for your advancement yet. Observe the characteristics and accomplishments of the rising stars around you to see where you might improve. Proactively solicit the gift of your boss’s feedback and ask what it would take to earn their advocacy. And perhaps consider getting a coach to help you make the improvements necessary to earn your manager’s advocacy. Seeking and applying your boss’s advice could potentially move them to advocate on your behalf.
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When I first started teaching at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, I met with the dean to find out her expectations. I wanted to understand her perspective on what excellence looks like in my role so I could be intentional about my professional growth. Having these conversations early on with your boss can guide your goal-setting and position you to advance. Without this type of feedback, you might be falling short of your boss’s expectations for promotability and not even know it.
Assuming your performance is strong — and ideally, exceeds expectations — if your boss isn’t advocating for you, the issue likely lies with your boss. While it may not necessarily be your fault, it is your problem. You owe it to yourself to find a workable strategy to advance your career. Here are three steps you can take to navigate the advocacy gap.
Release your boss from your unmet expectations for advocacy. As unfair and frustrating as it seems when your boss doesn’t advocate for you, it’s in your best interest not to take it personally. There are countless possible reasons why your boss isn’t advocating for you. Your boss might be insecure and see you as competition. Your boss may suffer from deep unconscious biases that lead to unfair evaluations of your performance and suitability for bigger roles. Perhaps your boss is trying to advocate for you but lacks the social capital and credibility to successfully advocate for anyone. Or, perhaps your boss may simply not want to be your champion. Whatever the reason may be for the advocacy gap, forcing, manipulating, or shaming someone into being your advocate won’t work. Let go of whatever anger or hurt you have developed because of your boss.
Find another advocate. Ideally, you would have a direct supervisor going to bat for you from the get-go, but your boss isn’t the only person in the organization who can advocate for you. There are other influencers who can give you the boost you need. To navigate your advocacy gap, you want to identify and win the support of executive sponsors. The ideal sponsor is a powerful, high-ranking ally within your organization who will bring up your name with the right people at the right time so that you gain access to opportunity. Your sponsor is your champion in the organization — and sometimes even beyond it.
Many people confuse mentors with sponsors. In short, mentors counsel you, sponsors accelerate you. You don’t want to be over-mentored and under-sponsored. This is particularly important for women and people of color for whom, research shows, hard work alone is usually not enough to get noticed.
Sponsors typically choose their protégés. So, you’ll want to strategically increase your visibility to gain their interest instead of explicitly soliciting their advocacy. For one, produce consistently excellent work. Raise your hand to participate in organization-wide task forces and cross-functional teams. By adding value to important strategic projects for the organization, you’ll build your skillset, add to your experiences, and interact with new people. That way you can develop a reputation for being a reliable, growth-minded leader who is focused on the organization’s objectives. Make it clear that it’s in the organization’s best interest to retain and advance you.
Build your network inside and outside of the organization. The plain truth is that the best leaders have what I call 360° advocacy — that is, advocacy from those above them, those beside them (peers), and their direct reports. Don’t underestimate the value of your peers and your direct reports in bringing your name up and speaking well of you. Being good to people and doing the right thing by people — especially those who may lack formal power in your organization — can cause them to want to advocate on your behalf. Finally, being an engaged citizen beyond your workplace in your industry or your community can help as well. You never know who is connected to whom and how. Sometimes, generating positive buzz beyond the workplace can prompt your organization to take stock of how great an asset you are.
We all need champions who are willing to advocate for us when we cannot speak for ourselves. And when your boss doesn’t do it, it can be downright challenging. But it doesn’t have to stop your progress and career advancement. You could be just one project, one committee, or one conversation away from getting noticed for who you are, what you do, and your potential to achieve even more.
Express your gratitude
A boss is a good leader who always guides you, teaches you and takes you through any kind of situation. To express your gratitude towards your boss, giving him/her fresh flowers are an exceptional and perfect gift for any of occasion such as your boss’ birthday, promotion, or for saying thanks for any gesture.
With National Boss Day coming on October 16th in Canada, every florist Toronto is offering special flowers for your boss. Flowers come in numerous shapes and sizes, so you can easily pick some which suit your boss’ preferences and personality.
How to choose flowers for a specific occasion?
Sunflowers and gerbera daisies are specifically perfect for the boss’ birthday. You can add something other than flowers. Options include a birthday-themed balloon, chocolates, perfume or anything extra which you know they will enjoy.
Which flowers to give to a male and female boss?
Even if not for your boss, we know that flowers for male and female vary in different ways. If you have a female boss, then you should go for pastels. On the other hand, males prefer to get strong and bold colors – so goes their preference for flowers. You can always add something extra to your bouquet to give a distinctive appearance. You can try a bubbly bottle, greeting card or a house décor item, only if you think your boss is going to like it.
What are the suitable colors of flowers for your boss?
Every flower has its own symbolic meaning. If you send flowers to someone you don't have to say anything to tell the reason for sending flowers, because colors say it all.
While sending flowers to your boss you need to consider the colors available at the local florist. Try to avoid red and bright pink color roses . It is an appropriate color if your boss is getting married, then you can show your warm wishes. You would never go wrong with roses of yellow color as your boss’s birthday gift – as it is an impeccable platonic flower gift.
Which theme to go with for National Boss Day?
National Boss Day comes in the fall season; fall colors are the most earthy yellow, green and orange color in flowers. These will make great options for your gift on the National Boss’s Day. Just like everyone else, your boss would also love the fall color scheme. The number of stunning flowers capturing the perfect essence are the right choice.
Sunflowers and orange roses perfectly go with the fall floral theme; this arrangement goes well with the fall décor and brightens up the room while communicating warmth and peace. It is for sure that any employer would love this type of colorful bouquet.
With this floral guide, you are all set to dazzle your boss with flowers.
70 ways to say "congratulations on your new job"
When writing a note to celebrate someone's new job, consider your relationship and the specific situation. Here are ideas for common situations in your personal and professional life:
General congratulations for a new job
These phrases are great for any occasion where someone gets accepted to a new position:
• "Congratulations on this new opportunity!"
• "This career move is a perfect fit for you, I'm so excited on your behalf."
• "You're a great fit for this new position, congratulations on earning this amazing opportunity."
• "All of your hard work led to this moment, enjoy the rewards of your efforts."
• "I'm incredibly proud of all you've accomplished. Have fun with this exciting advancement in your career."
• "You've done an amazing job in your current role and I know you're going to grow even more at this next position. Congratulations!"
• "I know you'll be successful wherever you go, best wishes for this new job opportunity."
• "Congrats on this next step in your career and all of the growth, connections and opportunities that come with it."
• "I'm so lucky that I can celebrate this next step in your career with you. I can't wait to hear about your adventures at this new job!"
• "Your new job sounds like an incredible opportunity and I know you're going to make the most of it."
Congratulations messages for a promotion
Use these notes to celebrate a promotion from an existing job to a higher role:
• "Congratulations on the promotion! It's so exciting to see you achieve your potential."
• "Getting promoted is a marvellous accomplishment, I'm looking forward to seeing how you continue to grow."
• "Your actions each day prove that you're ready for more responsibility and I'm so glad that others recognise your excellence."
• "With all of your expertise, I can't think of anyone who deserves this promotion more."
• "You demonstrated excellence at work every day and this promotion is your reward. Congrats!"
• "Congrats on this next step up in your career!"
• "This company is lucky to have someone like you in a leadership position. Congratulations on getting promoted to management."
• "I know how much this promotion means to you, and it makes me so happy to see you getting the recognition you deserve."
• "Best wishes as you transition to this promotion. I believe that you're going to do an incredible job."
• "Achieving a promotion like this is no easy task. Congratulations on your outstanding success and ambition!"
Messages to congratulate a manager on a new job
Congratulate your supervisor on their new job with these messages:
• "Your leadership inspires me every day. Congratulations on this next achievement."
• "I'll miss having you as my supervisor, but I'm glad that you're moving to an opportunity that you're passionate about. Congrats!"
• "Best wishes to you in your new position. I know your new team is going to love you."
• "Congratulations on your new job, new duties and a new team to mentor."
• "Congrats on an amazing tenure here at this company and an exciting opportunity ahead of you."
• "After working under your leadership for so long, I know you can handle any challenge. Congratulations on this next chance to grow."
• "Great work finding an exciting new job! You're leaving a great reputation behind as a manager."
• "Cheers to your new job! Don't forget your "best manager ever" mug."
• "Your ambition always motivated our team, and now it got you this amazing new job. Best wishes!"
• "You always pushed me to be my best, so it's great to see you achieving your goals."
Congratulating an employee on a new job
Here are several ways to celebrate an employee or team member's new role:
• "Congratulations to an amazing team member for earning an amazing job."
• "You've done a great job on my team, put your skills to good use in your new job."
• "This is an extraordinary opportunity for one of my most extraordinary employees. Proud of you."
• "I appreciate all the passion and dedication you've shared with our team through the years. Good luck in your new role."
• "Even though you won't be on my team anymore, I'm always here to cheer on your achievements. Congratulations."
• "It's been a pleasure watching your professional growth, congrats on taking your career in a new direction."
• "Congratulations on your dream job! I hope I can find someone half as talented as you to fill your place."
• "It's been a pleasure having you on my team. Your new manager was smart to hire you."
• "I always knew you were going to achieve wonderful things, great job securing such a prestigious role."
• "You were the first person I went to for help with a challenge, you're going to be an amazing leader in this new role."
Celebratory messages for a friend's new job
Honour a friend's career accomplishments with these congratulations wishes:
• "Cheers to one of my best friends earning the job of their dreams!"
• "I'm grateful to celebrate these important career milestones with you. Congrats!"
• "After seeing you work so hard for years, I'm thrilled that you're getting the recognition you deserve at this wonderful job."
• "I know working at this company is your lifelong dream, and I'm overwhelmed with happiness for your achievement."
• "You're a special person who deserves special recognition. Congratulations on earning this new position."
• "Your kindness, humility and positivity throughout your job search have inspired me."
• "All the interviews and job applications have finally paid off with an amazing reward."
• "Ever since I met you I knew you were destined for greatness. Great work finding this amazing job!"
• "As jobs change, our friendship is always constant. You're going to do great!"
• "This is a huge advancement in your career and I know you can handle it. Amazing job!"
Best wishes for a first job
Here are some messages to send for someone's first job:
• "Congratulations on starting your career at a great company!"
• "Getting your first job is a huge milestone. Welcome to the professional community."
• "You never forget your first job. Incredible work getting started on your path to success."
• "Congrats on taking your first step toward building a lifelong career."
• "Enjoy experiencing all of the important firsts of your career. Your first job, your first customers and your first paycheck!"
• "I can't wait to see everything you accomplish. This is just the beginning."
• "It's hard to express my excitement for this new start. Congrats on your job!"
• "Welcome to the first day of your career! Great job with this impressive first position."
• "All of your years of education and preparation have finally paid off with an awesome first job."
• "Entering the working world is an exciting accomplishment. Best wishes on this occasion!"
Messages to congratulate a coworker
These notes are perfect for praising a coworker's new job:
• "Today is about celebrating your success in your career. All of us in the office are so proud of you!"
• "I'm so glad I had the chance to work with you before you moved on to this exciting new job. Congratulations!"
• "I hope you love your new job and your new team. You're a joy to work with and you're going to fit right in."
• "Although our team won't be the same without you, you're going to shine in this new role. Best of luck!"
• "If anyone deserves this awesome job opportunity, it's a helpful and kind colleague like you."
• "My sincere congratulations on your new role. Please keep in touch!"
• "Over the years you've become not just a colleague, but a friend. I'm so happy for your accomplishment."
• "Thank you for everything you've done for me as a teammate. Congratulations on earning a top role in our field!"
• "I've had so much fun collaborating with you, and I'm excited to hear about your projects in your new role."
• "You deserve a celebration for your high-quality work on our team and for earning a great new position. Cheers to a great coworker and friend."
How to congratulate someone on a new job
If you want to write your own original note, here are some steps to follow:
• Mention their new title by name if you know it.
• Include a personal anecdote or memory.
• Compliment them by listing some positive adjectives.
• Describe your hopes for their future career success.
You can keep your message brief, or add extra details depending on how close you are to the person you're congratulating. Keep the focus on the person who got the job and celebrating their success.