As businesses finalize year-end restructuring, it’s important to pay attention to common behaviors that could sabotage promotion chances. There are often overlooked workplace actions that can derail chances of a promotion during the holiday season. The pre-holiday period, when companies plan next year’s organizational changes, presents an ideal time to demonstrate leadership potential, according to Matthew Woodward of Search Logistics.
Woodward posits that, with only 6.5% of employees—or 13 out of every 200—receiving promotions each year, standing out during this pivotal time requires more than just hard work. I spoke with him by email, and he shared ten common career advancement mistakes employees shouldn’t make during peak promotion season.
1. Skip informal social events. Woodward points out that many employees underestimate the value of after-work gatherings, especially during the festive season. He says these informal settings can provide networking opportunities that formal meetings can’t match. “The conversations that have the biggest impact on your career rarely happen in meeting rooms,” he told me. “More meaningful connections often happen at after-work gatherings—think Christmas parties. I’ve seen many promotion decisions influenced by who shows up and engages with their colleagues at these informal events.”
2. Don’t share personal stories. During the busy holiday period, it becomes more important than usual to be relatable, according to Woodward, who believes that failing to share personal experiences has the potential to make you seem distant. “People connect with authentic colleagues who share appropriate personal experiences—emphasis on appropriate,” he says. “Especially during the holiday season, moments of genuine connection contribute to building the trust that shapes promotion decisions.”
3. Avoid office humor. When holiday stress peaks and deadlines collide with festive commitments, Woodward suggests that a well-placed moment of levity can transform team morale. “A well-timed moment of humor can transform team morale, especially during the hectic holiday rush,” Woodward notes. “Being able to share a laugh with your team shows you understand workplace dynamics. Of course, read the room and keep it professional.”
4. Neglect to celebrate others’ successes. Woodward warns against self-centeredness during the holidays. “Recognizing your colleagues’ achievements builds the kind of team culture that executives look for in future leaders,” he states. “You could use year-end meetings and holiday gatherings to highlight specific wins from your teammates’ past year—whether it’s a project they crushed, a client they impressed or a challenge they overcame.”
5. Ignore workplace dynamics. “Understanding unspoken office dynamics can make or break your promotion chances,” Woodward advises. “As teams plan next year’s projects, pay attention to which ideas get approved and whose support they had. Then, build those key relationships before presenting your own proposals.” Being aware of these dynamics can enhance your career trajectory and help you avoid potential pitfalls.
6. Neglect cross-department relationships: “A lot of employees make the mistake of staying in their team bubble, missing valuable connections across the company,” Woodward explains. Instead of focusing solely on your immediate team, he suggests that you use festive events for natural opportunities to connect with people from other departments.
7. Fail to engage with new hires. The holiday season presents natural opportunities to connect with recent additions to the team. It’s a missed opportunity to not connect. “Take some time to help new team members navigate their first company holiday season. This marks you as a leader. It’s one of the clearest ways to demonstrate you’re ready for more responsibility.”
8. Overlook non-verbal cues. Woodward emphasizes the importance of body language in netting you that promotion. “Too many promotion candidates focus on their words while overlooking powerful non-verbal signals,” he proposes. “Pay attention to body language and tone during year-end meetings and holiday gatherings. They usually reveal more about how your ideas and contributions are really being received.”
9. Refrain from leveraging informal feedback. Woodward believes the relaxed atmosphere of holiday gatherings creates perfect moments for casual performance discussions. “Sometimes the best insights into your own performance come from casual conversations—holiday events are perfect for this,” he insists. “When guards are down and colleagues are more relaxed, you’ll hear honest feedback that might never come up in formal reviews. These moments are gold for understanding where you stand.”
10. Resist change in work habits. The holidays are a period when normal workflows are disrupted by seasonal demands, and Woodward argues that they provide a natural showcase for your adaptability. “The holiday season throws regular routines out the window. The people who get promoted tend to be those who step up when colleagues are on vacation or help to manage seasonal challenges,” he concludes. “They see disruption as a chance to prove their flexibility.”
Woodward concludes with a call for adaptability: “Sticking rigidly to established methods can hinder your growth. Being open to new techniques shows adaptability and a willingness to improve—qualities valued in leadership positions.”