Power move: how to prepare for a corner office before the new year – the essence

Listen, sister—we’re in the fourth quarter, and if you happen to’re dreaming of a higher-level position, now’s the time to strategically position yourself for advancement.

As black women, we regularly hear that now we have to work twice as hard to achieve half as much. But let’s flip the script: our unique perspectives, resilience and leadership skills are exactly what firms need at once.

According to McKinsey Women in the Workplace Report 2023while black women make up 7.4% of the US population, we represent only 4% of leadership positions. Despite our proven track record of leadership excellence and innovation, we proceed to face systemic barriers to growth. But the point is that we should not just statistics. We are change makers, and these strategic moves will allow you to deliver the advancement you manifest.

Document your wins and make them visible.

Let’s start with the bills. The project you ruined last quarter? A customer you retained? A team you mentored? Create a “wins document” that records your achievements, together with metrics and references. The contributions of Black women often go unnoticed in the workplace, making self-presentation crucial.

Send weekly or bi-weekly updates to your manager highlighting your achievements. This is not bragging rights – it’s strategic visibility. Think of it as creating your individual narrative in a world that always ignores our contributions.

Build your profession council.

Real talk: In corporate America, it isn’t nearly what you already know, but who knows what you already know. Research from Harvard Business Review shows that Black professionals who advance into management positions are 3.4 times more likely to have a strong network of mentors and sponsors.

Your skilled development requires a solid foundation of support. Start by finding a mentor in your organization who can guide your development. Then reach out to a sponsor – someone senior who will support you while you’re not in the room. Also cultivate relationships with colleagues in similar roles at other firms who can share industry insights. Finally, look for industry leaders who can provide a broader perspective in your profession path.

Master talking about money.

Knowing your price is important and consistent with National Women’s Law CenterBlack women face a significant wage gap, earning just 69 cents for every dollar earned by non-Hispanic white men. Before you speak about a promotion, analyze the market rates for the position you wish to work for. Use resources like horizontal.fyi and Glassdoor to gather specific data to support your salary requirements.

Estimate your impact.

Here’s the secret: speak the language of leadership. Turn your achievements into measurable results. Instead of claiming, “I managed social media,” say, “I increased our social engagement by 40% and generated $100,000 in attributable revenue through social campaigns.” The numbers tell a story that call-makers cannot ignore, and in today’s data-driven workplace, measurable success is the best advocate.

Strategic upskilling.

The path to promotion requires constant development. Identify the skills gaps between your current role and the position you wish. According to LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report94% of employees would stick with the company longer if it invested of their learning and development. Take advantage of company-sponsored training programs and earn skilled certifications. Attend industry conferences and workshops to not sleep to date with industry trends and expand your knowledge base.

Your three-month power plan.

The end of the year is fast approaching, so let’s break it down into actionable steps. In the first month, concentrate on documenting all of your wins from the previous year and scheduling meetings with key stakeholders. The second month needs to be about taking over high-visibility projects and strengthening relationships with decision-makers. Use the third month to prepare and present a promotion proposal together with a vision of the new role.

Power game.

When it is time for the interview, be prepared with a detailed presentation of your achievements. Share a clear vision for the expanded role, supported by market research on compensation. Bring specific examples of your leadership potential and the support you will have received from key stakeholders.

Remember, sister, you are not just asking for a promotion – you are giving the company a likelihood to retain top talent and profit out of your unique perspective and skills.

The end of the year is the best time for promotions as firms plan their organizational structure and budgets for the coming year. Start implementing these strategies now and do not wait for permission to lead. As Maya Angelou said, “Do the best you can until you learn better. And when you know better, do better.”

Your seat at the table is not just about you – it’s about creating a space for other Black women to follow. So straighten your crown and get to work. Your corner office is waiting.