I have not been promoted in 10+ years. My colleagues and managers think I am doing a good job but clearly this is not being reflected in my track. How should I approach this? I am a bit anxious to move to a new career/company at this point in my career.
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Suppose you think that you deserve a promotion you need to ask for it. Easiest is to bring that up during your review. If your manager is happy with your performance and is prising you, you can ask what position he/she sees you growing to. What do you need to do to achieve the promotion? You can discuss specific tasks, goals and timelines you need to achieve. If the manager is not prepared to discuss the promotion in detail, schedule a meeting in 1-2 weeks.
Depending on how the discussion goes, you can mention why you believe you deserve a promotion (projects completed, achievements etc.), how your job scope will change (what new responsibilities you will take, it does not hurt to point out what would be the organization/manager gains in you being promoted aside from making you happy), who will replace you in the current position, how the transition will look like.
If you don't want to wait for the review, you can schedule a meeting with your manager sooner, where you will discuss your career path.
You need to be mentally prepared for a negative response and think about your next steps if that happens. Would you stay, and if so, will you have the same motivation that indirectly will influence your performance, or would you start looking around?
It does not matter how long you have been in an organization, if you are not appreciated and valued... its time to move on.
I would ask your manager to work with you on the roadmap (including specific objectives and timelines) to your promotion. In the absence of that, the decision then becomes yours as to the next move (leave or stay).
I've heard this time and time again particularly from those in very large enterprises. What many failed to recognize is there is such a thing as being too good at their jobs. They are the "go to people"who always deliver, can always be relied upon to take on the difficult or challenging jobs. And unfortunately they get pigeonholed. It's often their mangers who unwittingly stand in their way anytime they might be considered for promotion. They simply don't want to lose those upon whom they rely. It's a compliment, but can be very frustrating for the employee.
Moving companies or industries is not the only solution though. If you like the company and people try the below. If not it may be time to go.
Invest time in becoming more visible to those outside your immediate circle and start cultivating relationships with those in more senior positions.
Partipate in the trade association or industry groups to build your brand. Publish an article on a relevant topic that shows thought leadership and innovation. Expose professional skills people don't know you have or see in the day to day of your job. The idea is to break out of the mold by building on a successful track record in positive but unrexpected ways and keep doing it over the next 6- 12 months. Changing perception will change reality.
You may find that promotion comes during the course or that you can create a new position for yourself with the support of some new friends that have the means to help you get there.
I would suggest, given that we don’t have the full picture of your work environment, that you speak to your management about what is required to move up in your organization. Pick a position you are interested in and ask a direct question of “what does it take to be in this role”? If you don’t feel comfortable talking to your direct manager, try talking with another manager that is responsible for those roles you may be interested in and ask the same question. You cannot effectively move up if you don’t know the path or what gaps you may have that are preventing you from doing so. I would also offer that this conversation also directly signals to management your desire to advance in your career.
I would suggest you try to understand why is that the case, what are the skills that are holding you back. Now, a colleague here said “ask for it” and that is a very good point, you need to promote yourself first, before getting promoted. Imho.