VP Deal Origination Credit

To ensure visibility for promotion and a larger bonus while maintaining a team-player image, here’s a strategic approach based on the most helpful WSO content:

1. Visibility for Promotion

• Document Your Contributions: Clearly outline your role in originating the deal, emphasizing the meaningful fee generated and your initiative in bringing senior bankers into the process. Highlight how this aligns with the firm's goals and your ability to take on greater responsibilities.
• Communicate Strategically: Schedule a one-on-one with the group head or relevant senior leadership. Frame the conversation around your desire to contribute more to the team and the firm. For example:
  • "I wanted to share some insights on the recent deal in [sector]. It was a great team effort, but I took the lead in originating and securing the verbal mandate before involving senior bankers. I’d love to discuss how I can continue contributing at a higher level."
• Ask for a Roadmap: Politely inquire about the steps needed for a promotion. This shows initiative and positions you as someone eager to grow within the firm.

2. Angle for a Larger Bonus

• Quantify Your Impact: During bonus discussions, present a concise summary of your contributions, focusing on the fee generated and your leadership in originating the deal. Use phrases like:
  • "I believe my efforts in originating this deal have added significant value to the team, and I’d like to discuss how that might be reflected in my bonus this year."
• Acknowledge the Team: To maintain a team-player image, emphasize the collaborative nature of the success while subtly highlighting your unique contributions. For example:
  • "This deal was a great example of teamwork, but I’m proud of the role I played in originating it and securing the mandate."
• Be Direct About Compensation Goals: Don’t shy away from discussing compensation. As noted in WSO threads, this is a money-oriented business, and it’s acceptable to ask what you need to do to reach your desired comp level.

3. Additional Tips

• Leverage Internal Networking: Build rapport with influential members of the team, including the group head, to ensure your efforts are recognized.
• Be Proactive: If you feel the group head isn’t fully aware of your contributions, find subtle ways to keep them informed, such as sharing updates on the deal’s progress or outcomes.
• Patience and Persistence: Promotions and bonuses often require consistent performance and visibility over time. Keep delivering results and advocating for yourself.

By balancing self-advocacy with recognition of the team’s efforts, you can position yourself for both a promotion and a larger bonus without coming across as self-serving.

Sources: Feel like I'm going to be stuck in this job, what do I do?, Using offers to get promoted, How did your acquisitions career evolve?, Case study interview for MBB consulting - 24 of my best tips on how to get in, Negotiation for Guaranteed Promotion?