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English reading practice - Business English - Do You Deserve a Promotion? (C1/C2 Advanced)

Proven Techniques to Showcase Your Dedication and Climb the Corporate Ladder


In the competitive world of business, the desire for career advancement is a common goal shared by many professionals. Whether you're a seasoned executive or a budding entrepreneur, the prospect of a promotion often signifies not just a salary bump, but a recognition of your hard work and dedication. The question then arises: Do you deserve a promotion? This article explores key techniques that can help individuals in the business world demonstrate their commitment and increase their chances of climbing the corporate ladder.

  1. Master Your Craft:

One of the most fundamental aspects of deserving a promotion is mastering your craft. Continuously invest in your professional development by staying updated on industry trends, attending relevant workshops, and acquiring new skills. Demonstrating expertise in your field not only makes you an invaluable asset to your company but also positions you as a go-to person for challenging tasks and projects.

  1. Take Initiative:

Promotions often go hand in hand with a proactive attitude. Instead of waiting for opportunities to come your way, seize them by taking initiative. Volunteer for new projects, propose innovative ideas, and showcase your ability to lead and make decisions. Demonstrating initiative not only sets you apart but also shows your commitment to the success of the company.

  1. Build Strong Relationships:

In the business world, relationships are crucial. Cultivate strong connections with colleagues, superiors, and subordinates. Collaboration and teamwork are highly valued in any organisation, and your ability to build positive relationships can greatly influence your chances of moving up the corporate ladder. Be a team player, mentor others, and contribute to a positive work environment.

  1. Results Matter:

Ultimately, promotions are often tied to results. Consistently deliver high-quality work, exceed targets, and contribute positively to the company's success. Keep track of your achievements and be prepared to showcase them during performance reviews or when discussing career advancement. Quantifiable results provide tangible evidence of your impact on the organisation.

  1. Seek Feedback and Act on It:

Constructive feedback is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. Actively seek feedback from peers, managers, and mentors to understand your strengths and areas for improvement. Use this feedback to tailor your approach, address weaknesses, and continually enhance your performance. A commitment to self-improvement signals to your superiors that you are dedicated to your professional development.



Deserving a promotion is not just about the time you've spent with a company; it's about the value you bring and the impact you make. By mastering your craft, taking initiative, building strong relationships, delivering results, and actively seeking feedback, you can position yourself as a deserving candidate for career advancement. Remember, promotions are earned through a combination of hard work, dedication, and a proactive approach to personal and professional development. So, ask yourself: Do you deserve a promotion? If the answer is yes, then start implementing these techniques today and set yourself on the path to success in the business world.


Check your understanding

  1. How can continuously investing in professional development contribute to deserving a promotion in the business world?

  2. What role does taking initiative play in the process of climbing the corporate ladder, according to the article?

  3. Why are strong relationships considered crucial for career advancement in a business setting, and how can one build and leverage these connections?

  4. According to the article, what is the significance of quantifiable results in the context of deserving a promotion, and how can individuals showcase their achievements?

  5. How does seeking and acting on constructive feedback contribute to personal and professional growth, and why is it emphasised as a technique for career advancement in the article?


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Vocabulary
  1. Proactive: Taking action in anticipation of future needs or changes rather than reacting after the fact. In the context of the article, being proactive refers to taking initiative and actively seeking opportunities for growth and advancement.

  2. Quantifiable: Capable of being measured or expressed as a quantity. In the article, quantifiable results refer to achievements or contributions that can be clearly measured or expressed in numerical terms, such as exceeding sales targets or reducing expenses by a specific percentage.

  3. Constructive feedback: Feedback that is intended to provide helpful guidance or suggestions for improvement, rather than criticism or negativity. Constructive feedback focuses on specific actions or behaviours and offers recommendations for how they can be enhanced or refined.

  4. Superiors: Individuals who hold higher positions within an organization's hierarchy, such as managers, supervisors, or executives. In the context of the article, superiors refer to those who have authority or oversight over an individual's work performance and career advancement.

  5. Mentor: A trusted advisor, guide, or teacher who provides support, guidance, and advice to a less experienced individual (often referred to as a mentee) to help them develop professionally and personally. Mentors typically have more experience and knowledge in a particular field or industry and offer valuable insights and perspective to their mentees.

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