5 Habits Holding You Back: Why You’re Not Getting Promoted

January, 2022                                                                                                    

If you’re eyeing that next promotion and feel like you’ve been overlooked, you might be making some common missteps. Whether it’s the wrong attitude, missing signs, or not being genuine in your actions, these things can hold you back without you even realizing it. So, let’s break down five habits that could be blocking your path—and learn how to fix them.

1.) You’re Sticking Too Closely to Your Role—and Not Expanding It the Right Way:

Focusing solely on your current responsibilities might feel like the safest bet, but sometimes expanding your role, if done thoughtfully, is exactly what gets you noticed for a promotion.

So why, and more importantly, how do you do it? Start by offering genuine support to others rather than assuming you know best. For example, rather than thinking you could handle the Finance Manager’s job better, try introducing yourself and asking, “How can I help make things easier for you when we work together?” This approach shows respect for their expertise and signals your desire to collaborate and support.

Actionable Tip: Look for small ways to support your colleagues without drawing attention to yourself. If you see something you can help with, simply lend a hand without expecting recognition. The best way to show you’re ready for more responsibility is through your actions, not words.

2.) You’re Overstepping in a Way That Feels Threatening:

Maybe you already know you’re a strong performer and feel confident you could excel in the role above yours—even better than the person currently holding it. But if you come across as entitled or overly eager to step in, it can easily be seen as arrogance. When others sense you’re pushing to take over, they may feel threatened, which won’t endear them to you or encourage them to advocate for your advancement.

Instead of focusing on why you’d do better, shift your energy toward helping the team excel as a whole. Ask questions, learn from your colleagues, and, most importantly, maintain a positive attitude. People respond well to those who elevate everyone’s success, not just their own.

Actionable Tip: If you’ve been overstepping, it’s time to recalibrate. Notice and acknowledge the strengths in those around you, and don’t hesitate to compliment their work. This genuine enthusiasm for others’ success will shift how people see you and make it clear that you’re ready to lead in a way that benefits the entire team.

3.) You Lack a Friendly Competitive Energy:

Competition is a powerful motivator in the workplace, but there’s a right and wrong way to channel it. To get promoted, you need to balance your competitive drive with a team-player mindset. Top performers who are indifferent to leaderboards or don’t have a competitive spirit may find themselves passed over, even if they are exceptional salespeople.

If you’re only competing against yourself, or not at all, you might need to cultivate a little more friendly rivalry to show that you’re invested in the bigger picture. Friendly competition can drive everyone’s performance up while making you stand out as a proactive and engaged candidate for a promotion.

Actionable Tip: Get invested in the numbers—but without putting anyone down. Aim for top performance while actively encouraging your peers to do their best too. When you can compete with a positive spirit, you’ll demonstrate your readiness for a role that requires balancing personal success with team success.

4.) You’re Not Asking for the Promotion (and How to Do It Right):

One of the biggest reasons people don’t get promoted is simple: they never ask. It might seem obvious, but if you’ve never expressed your interest in moving up, your leadership team might assume you’re comfortable where you are. Don’t let your goals go unspoken. Sometimes, managers prefer to leave strong performers in place unless they actively request new challenges.

When you ask for a promotion, do it with patience and humility. It’s less about demanding a new role and more about showing your willingness to take on more responsibility. Ask questions like, “What would it take for me to move into a management role here?” or “How can I grow to support the team on a larger scale?”

Actionable Tip: Don’t wait until a formal review or promotion season—set up a one-on-one with your manager and express your interest in growth. Remember, it’s okay to ask. Often, all it takes is a little initiative to open doors.

5.) You’re Too Focused on Yourself Instead of Helping Others Succeed:

High performers who only focus on their personal success without a care for the team’s growth can often hit a ceiling. If people feel you’re only looking out for yourself, you may struggle to build the rapport and trust you need to advance. To make the leap to a leadership role, you need to genuinely root for your teammates, even those who are competing with you.

The shift toward helping others succeed shows maturity, confidence, and readiness for responsibility. When you’re in a leadership role, your success depends on the team’s achievements—not just your own. Start practicing this now by celebrating the wins of those around you and offering your support when they need it.

Actionable Tip: Make a habit of praising your coworkers’ achievements and lending a hand when you can. Show that you care about everyone reaching their potential, not just yourself. When others feel supported by you, they’re more likely to advocate for your promotion.

Final Takeaway: Cultivate Genuine Energy and Take the Leap:

In the end, the path to promotion requires both humility and ambition. It’s about showing that you’re ready to grow while lifting up those around you. If you’re willing to put in the work to help the whole team, bring a competitive edge with a positive spirit, and make your intentions clear, you’ll position yourself for leadership roles naturally.

If you’ve noticed some of these habits in yourself, there’s no better time than now to start adjusting your approach. By making these changes, you’re not just getting ready for a promotion—you’re becoming a leader people will want to follow.

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Philip Cheatham

Philip Cheatham – With over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, Philip Cheatham has become a leading force in dealership success and profitability. His career began with 12 years in Finance & Insurance (F&I) within dealerships, followed by 5 years in upper management roles from Sales Manager to General Manager.

For the past 5 years, Philip has dedicated himself to training F&I professionals and sales desks across dozens of dealerships, implementing proven sales processes that increase monthly income by six figures per 100 units on average. His hands-on approach includes working directly with customers—from deal structuring at the desk to closing on the floor and in F&I—and collaborating closely with General Managers and management teams to ensure effective, sustainable process implementation.

Philip is the author of Dealership Process Secrets and Slow Them Down: The F&I Master Notes and is the visionary behind Central Desking’s cutting-edge follow-up software and desk log system. As the creator of Finance Servant, the most comprehensive online F&I training program, Philip continues to elevate industry standards with his intense, practical training methods.

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