Receiving a promotion is an exciting career milestone, but it can also be a source of anxiety. The transition into a new role is defined by how you communicate your advancement. What you say, and to whom, establishes the foundation for your future leadership and working relationships.
Responding to Your Manager
The first conversation you will have is with the manager offering you the promotion. This discussion is brief, so your response should be direct and professional. Begin by expressing gratitude for the opportunity and your excitement for the new challenge.
Following your expression of thanks, formally accept the new role. The final part of this conversation should pivot to logistics. Ask about the next steps, including the timeline for the transition and the company’s plan for announcing the change.
Announcing to Your New Team
Addressing your new team, particularly if you were previously a peer, requires a balance of confidence and humility. Your first meeting sets the tone for your leadership. Start by acknowledging the team’s existing strengths and contributions, and if you are replacing a previous leader, recognize their work as well.
Express your commitment to the team’s collective success. Your message should be one of collaboration, not authority. A statement like, “My first goal is to listen and learn from each of you,” establishes a collaborative spirit and shows you value their experience and perspective, which is important when managing former peers.
When addressing former peers, acknowledge the change in dynamics openly and professionally. State that you are looking forward to working with them in a new capacity. Reinforce that your role is to support them, help remove obstacles, and make decisions that are best for the team and organization.
Conclude your initial address by opening the floor for questions. This builds trust from the beginning and signals that you intend to lead in an open and approachable manner.
Informing Other Colleagues
Communicating your promotion to colleagues outside your immediate team is about maintaining collaborative relationships. The tone should be informational and focused on future partnership. Announce your new title and express enthusiasm for continuing to work together with a simple message like, “I’m excited to share that I’ve moved into the [New Role] position, and I look forward to our continued collaboration.”
This approach keeps the focus on the professional relationship and shared goals. A lengthy explanation of your new responsibilities is unnecessary. A concise, positive message reinforces your commitment to working effectively across departments and maintains the rapport you have built.
Making a Public Announcement
When sharing your news externally on a site like LinkedIn, the focus shifts to managing your professional brand. A well-crafted public announcement can strengthen your network and reflect positively on you and your employer. A popular method is the “gratitude sandwich” model.
Start by expressing gratitude to your former team, mentors, and colleagues who helped you reach this point. Next, announce your new role and express your excitement for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Conclude your post by thanking the company for the new opportunity. Throughout the announcement, maintain a positive and forward-looking tone. Avoid sharing internal company details or anything that could be misconstrued as boastful.
What to Avoid Saying When Promoted
What you avoid saying can be as important as what you say. Certain phrases or attitudes can undermine your new authority and create friction. When communicating your promotion, refrain from the following:
- Using apologetic language for your success, such as, “I can’t believe they chose me.”
- Making grand, immediate promises you may not be able to keep.
- Criticizing the previous leader or the team’s established methods.
- Oversharing details about the promotion process or your new compensation.
- Telling your team that “nothing will change,” which ignores the new dynamic.