Top Secrets for Getting Promoted
The advice they don't tell you 👀
Getting promoted isn’t just about working hard—it’s about working smart. In this post, I share key strategies top performers use to stand out, earn recognition, and move up the ladder. Whether you're aiming for your first promotion or your next big leap, these secrets can give you the edge!
Increase Your Visibility
Visibility in the workplace is essential for promotion because it ensures your contributions are recognized by decision-makers. When you're seen taking initiative, collaborating effectively, and delivering results, you build credibility and trust. Being visible keeps you top of mind for new opportunities and proves you're ready for greater responsibility.
For tangible advice on how to increase visibility in your workplace, check out my previous article, Getting Your Work Recognized.
Strengthen Your Relationship With Your Manager
Your manager is your gatekeeper to your growth. 🤯 In other words, the person you have to demonstrate your skills, knowledge, and potential to is your manager. If you haven’t already, make sure you meet with your manager weekly to demonstrate your progress, document everything you do so you can reference back to it during promotions discussions, and prioritize your conversations with your manager over other work items. The reality is that people aren’t promoted based off of how competent they are; they are promoted based off of how well liked they are. If your manager is super busy, send them a weekly email documenting the following:
What I accomplished this past week
What my priorities are this week
Challenges I encountered and my solutions
Speed > Perfection
This is going to be controversial for some, but there is an opportunity cost associated with perfection. If you spend more time perfecting a deliverable instead of sending it earlier for team review, it doesn’t make you look good. People will grow impatient and ask someone else to get the task done. Instead of aiming for perfection, aim for “good enough” — the sooner you are able to get things sent to your manager or your team, the more likely you are seen as effective and productive. Focus on the big picture and less on the little details that will do little for you in your career growth.
Be A Problem Solver
When there are challenges that arise, rather than just report on these challenges, present solutions to the problems you see. When you’re seen as a problem solver, you’re seen as a leader — a critical quality for getting promoted.