Guess who won't be promoted this year either?
I have been a coach and business mentor for almost 10 years and it always amazes me when I see experienced managers, people who negotiate contracts and get exceptional deals, but when it comes to their own careers… they wait to be noticed.
Somehow, there is this naive belief that “if I do my job well, someone will definitely see and reward me”.
Seriously? Then why, in business, don’t you rely on the same principle? Why don’t you simply sit in the office, hoping that a business partner will come in and propose a profitable collaboration without doing anything?
It doesn’t work like that, right? Well, it doesn’t work with promotions either if all you do is work and wait.
Career success doesn’t belong to those who wait, but to those who build it intentionally and strategically. Let’s see how!
1. Hard work is not a strategy, it’s just an ingredient
If you still think that all you have to do is work hard and you’ll get promoted, I’ve got news for you: you’re wrong. You pulled hard, you stayed behind schedule, you delivered flawlessly, but… the promotion went to someone else. Frustration hurts like hell, doesn’t it?
Why does this happen? Because hard work without a strategy produces a lot of stress and zero career progress.
The reality is that those who advance are not necessarily the hardest workers, but the most strategic ones.
Let’s be honest: if hard work were the key to success, the highest paid people would be factory workers, teachers, or nurses.
But reality shows us otherwise. Those who rise to top management are those who know how to position themselves correctly, build relationships, and create opportunities.
Hard work is necessary, but not sufficient. You need intention, visibility, and strategy.
2. From executor to strategist, it's a different mindset
To succeed in having the career you want, you need to make a mental shift. It's no longer enough to be good at execution, problem solving, and implementation. You need to think strategically.
Think like a CEO even if you don't have an office with a panoramic view (yet)!
3. The performance appraisal system is not on your side!
Companies have a seemingly logical performance management system:
1. First, the objectives are clarified.
2. You deliver, that is, you work hard.
3. Only then are you evaluated.
The problem? When the time comes for the evaluation, you have already delivered the value. It is theirs, not yours!
Performance appraisals are not necessarily about who worked the hardest, but about who was more visible, who delivered strategic impact, and who has strong allies.
Without a strategy to have visibility and the right positioning, your bosses will only see that you delivered what they wanted, not that you are ready for more.
Don’t let things go this way. Take control of your career and take action!
4. How do you play fair to advance?
a) Make your manager like you
Managers don’t just promote competence, they also promote those they get along with. Create a solid relationship, make them see you as an ally. It’s not about flattery, it’s about making their life easier, helping them achieve their goals. When they have an opportunity, you want the first name that comes to mind to be yours.
b) Get involved in strategic projects
Don’t rely solely on execution/implementation. Ask for roles in visible projects that put you in front of leadership. Don’t wait to be invited to the table, take your own seat! If you’re just the guy who solves “to do lists”, you’ll stay stuck.
c) Negotiate your rewards from the start
Don’t wait until the annual review to discuss promotion. Discuss clearly from the beginning what you want: promotion, bonus, visibility. People get what they negotiate, not what they deserve!
d) Always be among the best
Performance matters, but only if it is seen. Be good, but make sure that you are known to be good. Send clear reports on the impact of your work, get involved in presentations and strategic discussions.
e) Do smart networking
From the doorman to the CEO, build relationships. People promote you, not just your resume. Opportunities often come through connections, not just competence.
Be the person everyone knows has solutions, not just the one who works hard in the shadows. If people like and trust you, they will give you opportunities.
f) Don't deviate from your plan
It is very easy to get caught up in other people's goals and forget about your own. Set clear goals for yourself and be consistent. A successful career does not happen by accident, but is the result of a well-thought-out strategic plan.
In conclusion
Don't rely on the fact that "results speak for themselves". It is not really so! Be visible, ask for what you want, negotiate smartly. Your career doesn't build itself, you build it!
The people who get where they want to go are not the ones who have worked the hardest, but the ones who have known how to build their future strategically. Make a plan, position yourself intelligently and take control of your career.
Thank you for joining me on this journey to unlock your full potential and turn it into real-world value. I hope that the tips and insights in this newsletter have been helpful in your personal and professional life.
If you feel that you are at a crossroad in your life, I would be happy to offer you coaching sessions to discuss your goals and how to achieve them. Remember, success is not a destination but a journey, and we're here to support you every step of the way.
So until next time, stay focused, stay motivated, and keep working towards your dreams! Elena Badea.