While a promotion can be a huge step, it can also be scary because it means you have to assume a lot more responsibilities. Preparation is the best way to manage anxiety. Talking to others in your position or looking online for a job could help. You could also ask for assistance from a friend, colleague, or someone who has been promoted in a similar manner.
Fear of being the "new kid" on the block
For some, the fear of being the latest kid on campus can be quite troubling. New jobs don't have to be as scary as we make it out to be. Instead of becoming paralyzed by the fear, take it as an opportunity to meet new people and experience new things. Get involved in clubs and other activities outside of your job. This will allow you to practice meeting new people which will prove useful when applying for promotions.
Prepare. This is the best way for you to get past your fear of becoming the new kid on campus when you're promoted. Do your research. Ask your coworkers who are in the same position as you, or do a little online research. You'll get an idea of what your new job will entail.
Fear of not knowing where you are
People fear not knowing what to do when they are promoted. Although this is normal, it should not stop you from trying. You may actually be more prepared than you think, so don't let your fear stop you from doing what's best for you. Make sure you do some research about the job before you start to fear. By talking to people in the same position, you'll be able to gain insight into the different aspects of the new role.
You might find it beneficial to have a conversation with someone else who isn’t working in the same environment. You can get a different perspective and learn how to conquer your fears. Reflecting on your accomplishments is also helpful. It's important that you remember that you worked hard to get to this point.
Fear of being the next boss
Fear of being the new boss can be a common feeling. Leaders are faced with many challenges and must make tough decisions. They must also learn how to identify themselves and manage unspoken expectations. Although some new leaders can jump right into action, many people experience anxiety and uncertainty. It can be difficult, but it can also be rewarding.
Try to be as prepared as you can to manage your anxiety. Refer to others in your same position for more information. You can also search online for information about the new role.
Identifying strengths and weaknesses
When applying for promotion, it is important that you clearly articulate your strengths as well as weaknesses. This will help you distinguish yourself from other candidates. Your strengths could be anything from your teamwork and project management skills, to your verbal communication and presentation skills. Your weaknesses could include poor listening or disorganization.
Your strengths are the areas where your company excels. These may be intangibles like brand attributes or more concrete such as your unique selling position. They could also be people-related, such as strong leadership or an exceptional engineering team. You may also face financial or organizational limitations.
The creation of a persona or alter-ego
You can use a persona (or alter ego) for many purposes. It can give you a sense of perspective and help you approach problems in a different way. Your alter ego can help you achieve your career goals. For example, if you are nervous about getting a promotion, you can create a persona that embodies your ideal self.
You can create multiple personas and then pick the one that best suits your personality. Your persona may be fictional characters, heroes or anyone else. It could also be an alter ego for a favorite character in a book or show. You might even discover a side of yourself you didn't know existed.