4 Traps People Fall Into When Theyre Promoted - The Muse

4 Traps People Fall Into When Theyre Promoted - The Muse4 Traps People Fall Into When Theyre PromotedIf youve just been promoted- well done You get to gather your friends and pop the cork on that champagne bottle youve been saving.However, as you know, its not all a cake walk when you move up. If you want to excel in this new role, be careful not to fall into one of these four predictable post-promotion traps1. I Dont Need to Do Any of the Work I Used ToUnfortunately, not everything changes overnight, and it may take a while before youll see a measurable difference in the work youre given, or even the time you have to take on new tasks. Keep in mind there may be a dominospiel effect with projects nearing completion and new clients coming on, and that when theyre finished youll be looped in. Until then, you may just have to continue your work as you did before your promotion.In the meantime, there are a couple things you can do to get a head start in your new role. For example, you ca n take someone you admire or someone in a similar position as yours to coffee and ask them how theyve dealt with this kind of transition in their career. Or, you can look into the training options your company provides and see whats available to you. Or, you can check out these classes for new managers who feel a little lost.2. Im the Most Important Member of This Team/CompanyUh-oh. Arrogance has overtaken you, and suddenly youre the best thing to ever happen to your company, expecting applause for all your big ideas and subordinates to jump out of the way when you walk down the hall.This kind of attitude is only going to make people resent you- and your direct reports not want to do what you ask. Instead, stay humble and curious, and focus on how you can succeed as a team, rather than on your own. This will ultimately make you look good and your team more productive.3. I Cant Believe All the Recruiter Calls Im Suddenly Getting- This Is FunIts typical to have recruiters flocking you r doorstep (or, rather, your LinkedIn) once you change your status. It can be flattering, but be careful. The very people who supported your promotion, or even fought for it, expect more focus and energy from you now, not less.Sneaking out to take a call from a headhunter can be a time waster and an energy drain- plus, if you get caught, youre risking losing the credibility you worked so hard for. For at least six months, stay focused solely on your new role and confirm for your boss that they made the right decision by supporting your upward mobility. If you find down the road its not a great fit after all, then its OK to start the search.4. Spending SpreeMany promotions come with a salary increase or bonus. If thats the case for you, go ahead and reward yourself with a little treat- a new pair of running shoes, a donation to your favorite charity, or that beach vacation youve been dreaming about. Then, be the responsible adult I know you are (and want to be) and make sure some of that extra cash is going toward an emergency fund or your 401K. No matter what your level or income, the earlier you start to save for later on in life, the better (heres why). Besides, you wont really miss money you werent getting until recently, and you can pat yourself on the back later on when you see just how much you have saved up.Its OK to do a happy dance and celebrate your new promotion. But then, remind yourself to have a little patience, to stay focused and humble, and to be wise with your new responsibility (and salary). Youve got this After all, youre at a whole new level now.