How do promotions get approved?

And why it's NOT bragging when you give your boss the data they need to advocate for you.

Aug 30, 2024

Hello again fronds! 🌱

How’s it going over there? The weather here in Berkeley, California is gorgeous, and I am itching to take Kermit the Dog on a walk to see if I can spot Berkeley’s famous seal, Homer, splashing around in the Bay.

In this issue…

Topic 1 of 4 - Why it’s not bragging when you tell your boss about your achievements

To understand this concept, we have to look behind the scenes into how promotions get approved. I wrote about this on LinkedIn a few days ago. Here’s an excerpt, but I go into more depth in the post:

Most people don't realize that your boss doesn’t decide whether you get promoted or not.

They have to pitch your promotion to their boss.

Then there's an approval chain that usually goes up to the head of your department — the Head / VP of Design.

I found it particularly interesting that senior leaders reacted so positively to the post. As I write this, the post has reached nearly 20,000 people! And it received over 100 👍 reactions from senior leaders at places like Google and LinkedIn.

What’s my interpretation of that huge response? These senior leaders are telling us:

“WE WISH MORE OF YOU KNEW HOW THIS STUFF WORKS…but we’re kinda not supposed to talk about it, so we’ll just quietly leave a 👍 on this post.”

Did you know about this process? Let us know in the comments! 💁🏻‍♀️

Topic 2 of 4 - Self-advocacy for introverted designers

Are you an introverted designer that needs to present your work without exhausting yourself? Do you also want to make sure that you get credit for your contributions, and not let someone else claim credit for your work?

Instead of Slacking a link to a Figma file, try recording a short video using something like Loom. If you don't have Loom, a one-person Zoom can work too. Make sure you’re corporate security team is ok with whatever you use.

Here’s a step-by-step process:

Quickly introduce yourself. Make sure your face is on screen throughout the video. It can be in a tiny frame in the corner, with the main frame showing the Figma file that you’re walking through.
Briefly frame the problem — business goals, user needs, etc.
List key takeaways and actionable insights for folks who are busy.
Then walk the viewer through your work in more depth as you narrate.
Let folks know how they can follow up with you, or track the progress of the project if they’re interested.
Shorter is better! Shoot for no more than 3 minutes, if possible.

There are multiple benefits:

Your name and face will be associated with this work, even as it gets passed around the org, which will build your visibility and influence.
Other people can't take credit for your work. It's watermarked with your beautiful face. 😊
Less meetings! It's a great, way to get your name out there without more meetings.
Great for introverts! No one is watching you live, and if you stumble, you can edit the video before sharing.
This is a great way to practice your presentation skills. You can learn and improve by watching your own recordings. That sounds cringe, but I highly recommend it.

If you try this technique, let us know in the comments how it goes!

Shout outs to:

Braden Kowitz, who was the first person that I ever saw use video in this way, back in 2009 maybe?
Cassandra Madrid, a designer from my team on LinkedIn who used it more recently with great success!

Topic 3 of 4 - I’m launching a new course!

It’s called Advancing Your Design Career! 💃🏻

If you’re interested in the course, register here to be notified when enrollment opens:

https://maven.com/forms/772ec7

You’ll learn:

How to eliminate micromanaging and gain autonomy.
How leaders track & measure your performance.
How to become known as a top performer.
How to optimize your chances for promotions and pay increases.

When you sign up for the waitlist, let me know what other career questions are top of mind for you. I’m currently writing the course curriculum, and tailoring it to my audience’s needs.

Designers often invest in their craft and assume that their work “speaks for itself.”

Sadly, that’s not enough. You need to learn how to manage up effectively. I’ll teach you MVP — minimum viable politics … for people who HATE company politics! This is especially helpful for introverts and folks who struggle to advocate for themselves.

It’s all pretty easy to learn and put into practice! And we’ll make it silly, memorable, and fun. I promise. 😋

Topic 4 of 4 - Last week’s poll results

Well, you all were awesome with the poll last week! 100% of you that answered said that you want me to include some behind the scenes of how I’m building my one-person business. So expect some BTS in future issues — including how I’m building this new course.

Thanks for that feedback! 🙏

Alright, I’ll catch you in the next issue!

🏄🏻‍♀️ Sally

Happy Path

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