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Quiz: Is There a Promotion in Your Future?
By Dale Kurow, Career Coach

You're performing well in your job. You've even been told that you're up for a promotion. Yet making headway seems to be taking a long time and you're getting impatient.

Are you wondering how you could make it happen faster? Are you thinking about what else you could do to make yourself the most likely choice for advancement?

Of course, there are factors such as budgetary constraints and lost contracts that could influence the timing of your promotion. You have little control over some circumstances.

There are things, however, you can do that would set you apart and catapult your name to the top of the list. Wouldn't you want to know how to improve your odds of landing your promotion sooner?

Take this quiz to find out where you stand in the pursuit of your promotion. Answer "yes" or "no" to the following statements. Count one point for each "yes" and zero points for each "no" answer.


I've successfully executed projects beyond my current job responsibilities.
I've gotten outstanding performance reviews for the last two years.
I've recently discussed my desire to be promoted with key power brokers in the company including my boss.
I've mastered all aspects of my present job.
I feel ready for, and excited by, new challenges.
I'm handling the stress of my current job well.
I continually seek ways to save the company time and money and raise the company's profile.
When a project doesn't go as planned, I learn from the experience.
When someone receives a promotion before I do, I redouble my efforts to improve my skills and standing within the company.
I have a network of colleagues from whom I can solicit impartial advice, support and answers to questions.
I keep my cool when faced with challenging people and situations.
I've got a sense of humor and can laugh at myself.
I share my boss's vision and have made his/her goals my own.
I know how to say no to protect my time and energy without alienating people.
I am capable of managing multiple priorities and I juggle them well.
I am optimistic and don't complain, whine or engage in gossip about others in the office.
I have attended, and am comfortable at, office parties and social events with my co-workers.
I keep people's confidences.
If I manage a staff, I am fair and proportionate in giving praise and feedback.
I have professional work habits (grooming, dressing for success, on-time to meetings, organized).
I embrace change and do not hold onto the old way of doing things.
I share the credit and accolades with my team members.
I am good at motivating my staff and team members to achieve their highest level of performance.
I am comfortable using technology (i.e. Blackberry, IM, the Internet) and it makes me more effective.
I have documented my successes and can present them at my next performance review.

Dale Kurow, M.S., is an author and a career and executive coach in New York City. Dale works with clients across the United States to help them reach their goals, overcome obstacles and get promoted faster than they would on their own. Visit Dale's Web site at http://www.dalekurow.com/newsletter to signup for her free "Career Essentials" eNewsletter, chock-full of career tips and strategies you can use immediately.
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