5 Ways to Upgrade Your Job When a Promotion Isnt an Option

5 Ways to Upgrade Your Job When a Promotion Isnt an Option5 Ways to Upgrade Your Job When a Promotion Isnt an OptionMaybe you didnt successfully negotiate that promotion (or maybe you didnt even try). But while its true that how far your career advances- and how quickly- is largely up to your boss, you might have mora power than you think. And particularly if youre a woman, you may need to use it if youve got your eye on a leadership role down the line.(In a 2013 issue of Harvard Business Review, researchers Herminia Ibarra, Robin J. Ely, and Deborah M. Kolb referred to a second-generation gender bias thats often harder to diagnose than overt workplace sexism. They find that women get caught in a loop that puts them into the same kinds of jobs theyve already shown proficiency in- often roles that veer away from the operational track, like human resources or investor relations.)One possible solution for breaking this cycle, however, is what Catalyst researchers term role negotiation b y negotiating for mora high-level job duties, they find, people can find opportunities for advancement that more formal changes- like changes in job title- would otherwise lead to. In my personal experience as a CEO, employees who see the organizational big picture and think accordingly about their own roles are the ones who catch my eye and get tapped for stretch opportunities that build their resumes.Heres how to make use of the untapped potential in shaping your own role, project by project, regardless of the job title thats printed on your geschftsleben card.Related How to Create Your Own Opportunities at WorkWhy Youre Overlooking Role NegotiationA role change may not sound as impressive as a title change, but thats no reason to pass it up. In fact, renegotiating your day-to-day job can prove decisive in whether or not you ultimately land the position youre gunning for later on. A true role change can give you the chance to learn new skills, get acquainted with other departments , and raise your visibility in your organization. More than that, it can give you the room to actually innovate in a role whose original job description doesnt.Taking matters into your own prankes isnt about a power grab the first misconception you need to shake is that you might be overstepping your bounds. Every companys top performers look for stretch projects that might take them outside their formal roles- and companies value that. Another thing to disabuse yourself of is that role negotiation requires sitting down with your boss to request more opportunities. It doesnt.Think of negotiation in a loose sense- less sitting across the table making a deal, and more in terms of navigating new terrain (the way you might say a rock climber negotiates her next foothold on a cliff face). So, for example, if your end-game is to become CEO of a global company, look for international opportunities (and yes, you can do this in your twenties), exposure to operational issues, PL experience, a nd special projects with high visibility.None of these pursuits might be a part of your present job path, but dont let that faze you the fruchtwein effective leaders rarely land those roles from traditional corporate ladder climbing anymore. At any rate, failing to proactively seek out these kinds of opportunities stalls far too many people on the leadership track- dont let that be you. These are a few ways to propel yourself forward by making some strategic role changes1. Dont Wait for Assignments to Come to YouKeep a lookout, and speak up as soon as you spot a project you want a hand in. We already know that women ask for raises with the same frequency as men but are simply granted them at lower rates- an outcome of workplace gender bias thats only compounded when you hesitate to advocate for yourself. Claim what you want, and walk with intention toward your boldest goals.2. Talk to People Who Are Doing What You Want to DoDo your homework. Catalysts Director of Research, Anna Beni nger, says theres an untapped potential in simple curiosity. Be curious- and conspicuously so- by asking questions of the colleagues who are working on projects that bring real value to your organization. It doesnt matter if theyre senior to you or work on other teams. Think of it as in-house networking. Take the time to investigate, and youll be better positioned to make the best case for your inclusion in an ongoing project or one you propose. When in doubt, never underestimate the power of, Lets get a coffee.Related Hate Your Job But Like Your Company? Do These Three Things3. Inventory Your SkillsFigure out what you need to learn in order to get to your goal- dont let others decide the route for you. Sometimes, the best way to gain skills is to volunteer to help out. (In fact, companies themselves are already wise to this In a recent Deloitte survey, hiring managers and recruiters say volunteer work is one of the most underrated job skills out there.)You dont need to find a chari ty to spend your Saturdays with, though. Just ask, How can I help? more often than youre used to. Its helpful to start taking on parts of a job before going for a whole new role. This lets you try a new job function on for size and build your skill set gradually before drawing up a plan and going full in. As Beninger and her colleagues have found, the paths to some of the most high-impact leadership roles often run through everyday tasks and goals- and they often occupy unstaked, even disruptive, territory.Related How to Know Which Skills to Develop at Each Stage of Your Career4. Develop a Vision, Then Share ItAnother obstacle to professional womens advancement that Ibarra has identified, along with her colleague Otilia Obodaru, is the vision thing. Theyve found that one critical difference between men and women at the top is how effectively they convey their own visions for the future to their team. Be the one who sees the big picture and inspires others. (And, by the way, you dont need to be a futurist to do this well- a huge piece of the whole vision thing is all about communication.)Another piece of it is how you envision yourself. Regardless of your job title, you need to see yourself as a leader. Dont settle for being the one who keeps the trains running on time. Maybe youre genuinely uncomfortable with power? Youre not alone, but try seeing power as the tool it can be rather than having power over others, youll be using power to create, innovate, and lead.5. Pay it ForwardKeep at it, and be patient. The path to the leadership role youve got your eye on might not come through a steady march up your companys org chart. But, once youre finally there, pay it forward. Sure, you had to do some of this role negotiation all on your own, but now you can be the mentor or sponsor you didnt have for the next talented person coming up. After all, youll need their brilliant ideas and passion on your team when youre running the show.This article was originally publish ed on Fast Company. It has been republished here with permission.