Sometimes people are caught in the “She would be good in the position of…but…” loop.

If you have been passed over for a promotion or title change, the reason may be staring at you in the mirror. You would be surprised at how often the way you dress moves you forward or grabs you by the collar and holds you back. When seeking a promotion, make sure your wardrobe works for you and not against you. An appropriate workplace wardrobe is not about money, it is about being neat, clean and ready to take over impromptu meeting for your boss. Dressing properly is a must for women and as well as men. There are times when men can get away with wearing an outlandish tie, it may even prove to be positive, showing he has a great sense of humor while getting the job done. Women on the other hand should be cautious about wearing fun, outlandish clothing. A man can look handsome and “studly” in a suit, it may even help him reach the top because he may seen as what your company is about. A woman looking pretty and sexy may be off-putting, but, a woman looking pretty and efficient will be the look she needs to attain and keep.

Perhaps you have been passed over because your boss can’t count on you to be loyal and in her corner 100 percent. Are you mouthy? Do you take standing up for your rights a step further than you need to? Do you help keep office drama down or are you often the source of it? Don’t be the cause of the drama, be the reason there is no drama. When your boss asks what the office brouhaha was about, keep your explanation short and simple. Let her know it’s better now, she will understand that you are capable and that you have her back. Why? Because maintaining a good working environment is taking care of the office, therefore taking care your boss.

Do you take the initiative and tackle tasks that need to be attended to but are often left by the wayside by others because they are worrisome, too much work or not their job. If you think you have a plan and a solution. Tell your boss the problem along with your plan and your solution to the problem.

Above all, are you at your desk at the time you are due in the office? Are you in the office 99% of the time? If you are always late, sick, need time off or simply absent, you may not be ready for the added responsibility a promotion will bring.

If you have not gotten that promotion you *think* you deserve, work towards it relentlessly and positively without negative talk about how good you are at your job and deserve to be promoted. Know that office gossip has a long and wide reach.