The unspoken truth about getting promoted

Have you been overlooked for a promotion? You’re not alone.

Have you ever felt like you’ve put in countless hours, always doing your best, yet still didn’t get that promotion you were hoping for? You’re not alone. Many of us, especially women, think that doing excellent work will naturally get us recognised. But in many workplaces, it’s not just about hard work—it’s also about how you show you’re ready to lead.

Here’s the good news: you have more control over your career than you might think. By taking a few simple steps, you can help the people in charge see why you’re the right person for the next opportunity. Let’s take a closer look at how you can do this.
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The problem: Why hard work alone may not lead to a promotion

It’s a common belief: if you keep your head down and do great work, you’ll eventually be rewarded. In reality, decision-makers also look for signs that someone is ready to take on new challenges. They want to see that you can handle risks, guide others, and help the company move forward.

Research shows that women are often promoted based on what they have already achieved, while men are sometimes promoted based on what they might achieve in the future. That means you need to speak up about your strengths and show that you’re prepared for the next level. If you don’t, someone else might get that chance—even if you’re just as qualified.
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The “3 Cs” of promotion readiness: A simple framework

Let’s talk about three important steps—Clarity, Communication, and Credibility. Think of them as a roadmap to help you stand out and move up.
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1. Clarity: Know What You Want

• Identify Your Target Role: Take some time to figure out exactly which position or level you’d like to reach.
• Understand the Requirements: Look into the skills or experiences you might need to build. Ask your manager or a mentor about what the job involves.
• Start the Conversation: Set up a meeting with your manager to say something like, “I’d really like to prepare for a promotion to [role] in the next 6–12 months. What steps do you think I should take?”
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2. Communication: Advocate for Your Growth

• Share Your Goals: Let your manager and mentors know about the role you want. If you never speak up, they may not realize you’re interested.
• Use Direct Language: You might say:
  • “I’m excited about moving into [role]. Here’s how my recent work has prepared me for it.”
  • “I believe my contributions in [project] show I can lead a team. I’d love to hear your thoughts on leadership opportunities.”
• Keep Track of Your Wins: Write down your accomplishments as they happen. That way, it’s easy to point to your successes when the time is right.
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3. Credibility: Show You Can Lead

• Volunteer for Key Projects: Look for assignments that let you work across different teams or solve big problems.
• Seek Feedback: Ask friends at work, your manager, and others for thoughts on your performance. Use their advice to keep growing.
• Highlight Your Results: When you talk about what you’ve done, include numbers or other concrete results. For example, “My team’s work on [project] boosted [metric] by X%, helping the company reach [goal].”
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Leadership spotlight: How Ginni Rometty took charge of her career

Ginni Rometty, IBM’s first female CEO, didn’t just wait around for promotions. She paid attention to where her company was heading and found ways to show her leadership skills. Early on, she figured out which skills she needed and went after challenging roles to learn them.

Later, when IBM was going through big changes in technology, Ginni stepped up to lead projects that others weren’t keen on. She showed she could handle tough situations, and that proved she was ready for more responsibility.

Ginni also told her bosses about her ambitions and asked for honest feedback so she’d be ready when the next big opportunity opened up. Eventually, she became the CEO. Her motto? “Growth and comfort do not coexist.” Take risks, seek challenges, and don’t be afraid of the unknown.
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Pro Tips to Get Noticed

1. Document Your Achievements

Keep a list of your wins—like how your work helps the team, or how you solved a tricky problem. Data or quotes from others add weight to your story.

2. Take Initiative

Say “yes” to projects that stretch your skills, especially those that align with what the company wants to do in the future.

3. Seek Feedback

Ask people you trust, “What do you think I need to do to be a strong candidate for [desired role]?”Their perspective can help you grow in the right direction.

4. Be Visible

Speak up in meetings, share your ideas, and talk about your projects with confidence. That way, leaders at higher levels see what you bring to the table.
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Create your promotion roadmap: Take one small step

It’s time to think about where you are now and where you’d like to be. Then try using the “3 Cs”:

• Clarity: Which position do you want, and what do you need to learn or develop?
• Communication: How will you let your manager and mentors know about your goals?
• Credibility: Which projects or achievements can you spotlight to show you’re ready?
  
  

Pick one step you can take this week—maybe that’s chatting with your manager about your interests, volunteering for a project that excites you, or jotting down your latest success. You have what it takes to move forward. Let’s make sure the right people see it!

Remember, your hard work does matter. But by adding a bit of strategy and speaking up for yourself, you can pave the way for the promotion you deserve.