So you want to know how to get a promotion in the workplace, right? First, let me ask you a couple of questions.

Do you sometimes feel stuck in a dead-end position? You are not alone. It’s tough to see coworkers who are less qualified than you getting promoted ahead of you in your company, especially when you are the one training those coworkers.

As I travel all over North America to deliver keynote speeches, I meet many people who tell me how they feel stuck in dead-end positions. They feel miserable and frustrated, just going through the motions with an “I don’t care” attitude.

They show up to do just enough not to get fired, but they are not really present. Eventually, they get fired and then blame the company or boss for their misfortune. Some might call it unfair treatment.

But here’s the actual truth:

You Are 100% Responsible for Your Promotion

Your boss or your company will not give you a promotion or a raise just because you want one. You must prove that you are worthy of a promotion. You must do the things that trigger or merit promotions.

Let me share a strange secret with you. I believe it can literally force your boss to give you the promotion you deserve.

In fact, the moment you understand what you will learn here, you’ll be able to double or even triple your income in a short period. But first, you must accept responsibility for your career advancement.

Employees Don’t Get Fired. They Fire Themselves.

Getting fired is not an overnight event. It takes a lot. Here are a few reasons people get fired:

• Displaying a negative attitude towards colleagues or bosses.
• Refusing to collaborate with colleagues or undermining team efforts.
• Habitually showing up late or leaving early without proper authorization.
• Consistently failing to meet job expectations and performance standards.
• Engaging in office gossip or spreading rumors that harm workplace morale.
• Challenging or disrespecting supervisors and managers in an unprofessional manner.
• Frequently missing work without valid reasons or having excessive unplanned absences.
• Inability or unwillingness to adapt to new technologies, processes, or workplace changes.
• Engaging in inappropriate behavior, such as harassment, discrimination, or workplace violence.
• Poor communication with team members and management, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts.

It’s usually a series of events that get people fired. Everything I’m about to share with you won’t work unless you accept responsibility. Blaming others is not a solution. Know that you are in control of your future with your company.

Promotions and Raises Don’t Live Inside a Comfort Zone!

It’s impossible to get what you want while staying inside your comfort zone. You must step out. Why? Because the secret I promised to share with you won’t work in a comfort zone.

If it did, it wouldn’t be a secret worth sharing. Most people are already comfortable inside their comfort zones.

I cannot help you discover what’s possible for you in the workplace unless you dare to be uncomfortable. With your permission, I will help you climb the ladder of success in the workplace.

This principle is not something I cooked up overnight. It comes from personal experience. I have applied it repeatedly to get what I want in life. If you use and apply it, you too will get whatever you want.

How to Get A Promotion: The Strange Secret That Guarantees Promotions

“Always go beyond expectations.” It’s not that strange after all. I call it strange because few people truly leverage it to reach the C-suite in their career. This is not just for your career. It’s for your life.

I met Mr. Arnovitz, a wealthy man with terminal cancer, when I was 26. His pain made him irritable and unable to get along with his caretakers, leading the agency to replace them weekly. After a crash course from Marcia, who provided his caretakers, I began caring for Mr. Arnovitz. Despite Marcia’s warnings about the tough job, I assured her I could handle it.

Mr. Arnovitz and I bonded deeply. He praised me to his friends and family. On weekends, I had replacements, but he preferred my company. One Sunday, he made me an enticing offer to stay seven days a week and pay me under the table. Marcia was okay with that when I told her. She wanted him to be happy for the referrals.

Eventually, Mr. Arnovitz ended up in the hospital. I continued to care for him until he passed away, holding my hand as he took his last breath.

I never asked for a raise. My dedication and attitude did it for me. The secret is simple: Always do more than expected.

Doing more than he paid me for, like taking care of his plants and cleaning, forged our bond and made the difference. That’s my strange secret. That’s how you double or triple your salary and secure promotions.

Don’t Do Just Enough Not to Get Fired

When you do more than what you are being paid for, you automatically belong to a new category—the top 2% in your field. You become a valuable player on the team and indispensable.

You may say, “Gosh, Rene, you just don’t know. I’ve been doing more than I’m being paid for, but they don’t care.” Sure. I get that. Let me ask you this: For how long have you been doing more than you are being paid for?

It took me less than one month. For you, it may be two months, six months, one year, or even two years. It’s like planting seeds. Be patient. Don’t expect a raise or promotion right away. It takes time.

• Leave late
• Show up early
• Have a positive attitude
• Collaborate with coworkers
• Deliver beyond expectations
• Be adaptable in times of change

Soon, they will notice you. Your name will come up in conversations during private meetings in the workplace.

Promotions or Raises Are Not Given. Earn Them.

Success is not an elevator. It is a flight of stairs. To get to the top, it’s one step at a time. A promotion is a process. Let me repeat the strange secret to you again: Always do more than what you’re being paid for. Always go beyond expectations. Exceeding expectations is a principle that never fails, regardless of the person.

If you cannot embrace that principle, promotions and raises will skip you and go to the next person who has the habit of delivering beyond expectations.

No one notices you when you are fulfilling expectations. No one notices you when you are working your eight-hour shift. That’s your job! You get noticed when you stay past your shift to help your team finish a project on time. It’s when you show up early or volunteer to work on your day off. Do the things that are unexpected and unusual.

The story I shared with you about Mr. Arnovitz is just one of many from my life’s journey. There are many others. For example, when I was quitting my last job as a hotel doorman in Atlanta, I submitted my resignation letter. My speaking and training business was taking off.

My manager refused to accept the letter and told me to make my schedule and come to work when it was convenient for me.

People often tell me I was lucky to work for such a company. I wasn’t lucky. It was because I consistently delivered way beyond expectations. They were rewarding me for my extra efforts.

I’m not saying every company would allow you to pursue your dream while working there. However, if you embrace the attitude of always doing more than you’re being paid for, the company will reward you for it.

Be Aware of the Gossipers

Once you live the habit of going beyond expectations, lazy coworkers may resent you. They will criticize you or gossip about you. That’s the way of idle coworkers. It’s okay.

You don’t want to join their ranks or seek their approval. Work is not a popularity contest. It’s the place you go to earn a living. It’s how you put food on your table and take care of your family.

There you have it. I just handed you the key to the vault where raises and promotions await. Going the extra mile in your work will boost your career and increase your earnings. That is how you get a promotion at work.

Now, it’s time for you to start over-delivering. By the way, I would love to hear your thoughts about how to get a promotion at work. Comment below.