Career growth rarely happens by accident—it’s usually the result of clear intent, visible impact, and consistent skill-building. If you’ve been feeling “ready for the next step” but unsure how to make it happen, here’s a practical framework you can start using this week.
Promotions often stall because expectations are vague. Get specific by answering:
Action tip: Find 2–3 job descriptions for your target role (internal or external) and highlight repeated requirements. That’s your roadmap.
Managers promote people who consistently deliver results and make those results easy to see.
Create a simple doc where you track:
Action tip: Update this weekly. It takes 10 minutes and becomes powerful during performance reviews and promotion conversations.
“Improve my skills” is too broad. Instead, choose one skill that increases your scope.
High-leverage options include:
Action tip: Choose a skill and pair it with a visible project where you can practice it in real time.
Visibility isn’t bragging—it’s helping others understand your impact.
Try:
Pro move: When you deliver a win, explicitly connect it to team goals: “This reduced cycle time by 18%, which supports our Q2 delivery target.”
Mentors accelerate growth by helping you avoid common mistakes and navigate politics.
Action tip: Don’t ask “Will you be my mentor?” Instead ask: “Could I get 20 minutes of advice on X?” (promotion readiness, stakeholder influence, leadership gaps). If it clicks, repeat monthly.
If you wanted to earn a bigger role in the next 6–12 months, what’s the one skill or outcome you think would make the biggest difference—and what’s currently getting in your way?
Love this framework—especially the “impact portfolio” idea. One thing I’d add: it helps to turn your plan into a simple “promotion contract” with your...
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