Navigating the path to a promotion can be tricky, especially for a woman in tech who works predominantly with men.
In my latest episode of From a Woman to a Leader, I had the pleasure of chatting with Jossie Haines, an experienced tech leader and executive coach, about the practical steps women in tech can take to negotiate for a promotion successfully.
If you’ve been feeling stuck or uncertain about approaching your next career move, this episode is packed with actionable insights that can help you move forward confidently. Here’s a summary of the key takeaways from our conversation.
1. Timing is Everything
One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting until their performance review to start the conversation about a promotion. Jossie emphasized that this is the worst time to bring it up because it’s often too late to make any necessary adjustments or demonstrate your readiness by then. Instead, start the conversation well in advance, ideally midway through your review cycle, so you have time to align your work with the promotion criteria.
2. Create a Promotion Packet
If you’re serious about getting promoted, it’s essential to be proactive. At many larger companies, a formal process involves creating a promotion packet. This document outlines your achievements, aligns them with your company’s leveling guide, and makes a strong case for why you’re ready for the next step. Even if your company doesn’t have an official process, creating your packet can be a powerful tool to help your manager advocate on your behalf.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Share Your Long-Term Goals
Many women hesitate to share their long-term career goals with their managers, fearing it might seem like they’re eyeing their boss’s job. But as Jossie pointed out, being open about your ambitions can actually help your boss support you in reaching them. Whether you aspire to be a VP or move into a different leadership role, don’t be afraid to communicate these goals—it’s a key step in setting yourself up for success.
4. Advocate Beyond Titles
In today’s corporate environment, especially at larger companies, promotions can be hard to come by. But that doesn’t mean you can’t advocate for other valuable changes. Whether negotiating for more responsibility, a flexible work schedule, or a raise, there are many ways to advance your career beyond just getting a new title. Remember, your title doesn’t define your worth—what matters is the impact you make and the growth you experience.
5. Keep the Big Picture in Mind
While promotions and titles are important, keeping the big picture in mind is crucial. Success isn’t just about climbing the ladder—it’s about building a career that aligns with your values, allows you to make a meaningful impact, and supports your overall well-being. As Jossie wisely noted, sometimes we get too hung up on titles and forget that there are many other ways to measure success.
Listen to the Full Episode
If you found these insights helpful, I encourage you to listen to the full episode with Jossie Haines. We dive deeper into each of these topics and share even more strategies for navigating your career in tech. You can catch the episode on my website here.
Final Thoughts
Navigating a promotion can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can take control of your career and achieve your goals. Whether you’re just starting or aiming for a senior leadership role, Jossie’s strategies can help you confidently move forward. Remember, it’s not just about getting a new title—it’s about advocating for what truly matters and building a career you love.
Thank you for reading, and I’d love to hear your thoughts!
What has been your biggest challenge when it comes to getting promoted? Share your experiences in the comments below.
About Jossie
Jossie Haines is an executive and leadership coach who passionately advocates for women in technology. She is driven by her mission to alter the alarming statistic that sees over 50% of women leaving tech by the age of 35. She brings over 23 years of experience and notable accolades in software engineering leadership to this mission.
In 2022, Jossie left the corporate world to found Jossie Haines Consulting, where she empowers women in tech to thrive and architect careers they love. Through her coaching, she helps them lead authentically, ensure their voices are heard, and reshape the rules in their favor. In addition to coaching, Jossie serves as a tech advisor and fractional engineering/product leader for small startups, leveraging her expertise to drive innovation and growth.
Before starting her own business, Jossie was the VP of Software Engineering and Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Tile. Her impressive career spans Silicon Valley’s tech giants, including Apple, Zynga, and American Express. Her management roles in these renowned companies have shaped her expertise in developing large-scale consumer, IoT, and e-commerce technologies.
Jossie’s experience and tenacity, combined with her mission to enable women in tech to evoke respect, navigate bias, elevate their leadership performance, and gain the promotions and rewards they deserve, positions her as a pioneering force in the industry.
Follow Jossie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jossiemann
Get Jossie’s Free Guide – The 8 Core Pillars Women Need to Rise to the Top of Tech Leadership: https://ck.jossiehaines.com/pillars
Jossie’s website and other links: https://ck.jossiehaines.com/linkinbio
