Recently, someone asked me this question: “How do I get promoted quickly?” It wasn’t the first time I’d heard it. It’s a question that gets right to the heart of what so many of us want—growth, recognition, and the chance to take on bigger challenges.
Promotions are earned by showing, day in and day out, that you’re a leader—regardless of your current title.
But how do you do that? How do you set yourself apart and position yourself for the next level? That’s what we talked about, and here’s the gist of it:
1. Take Extreme Ownership
Leaders don’t wait to be told what to do—they step up. They take ownership of problems and mistakes and take action to solve them. They don’t wait for someone else to fix things; they make things happen. When mistakes occur, true leaders don’t look for scapegoats or excuses. They take responsibility, figure out how to fix the issue, and ensure it doesn’t happen again.
The Mindset Shift:
Stop thinking, “That’s not my job.” Instead, ask yourself, “How can I help?” Whether it’s your direct responsibility or not, when you contribute beyond your role, you set yourself apart as someone who is invested in the bigger picture.
Practical Example:
If you notice a process that’s broken—fix it or suggest solutions. If your team is struggling to meet a deadline, offer support. Extreme ownership isn’t about being a hero; it’s about being reliable and solutions-oriented.
2. Be the Best Teammate
Promotions aren’t about individual stardom; they’re about elevating your team. The best leaders prioritize the team’s success over their own. They collaborate, support others, and build relationships based on trust and respect.
Why It Works:
When you focus on helping others succeed—your teammates, your boss, or your organization—it reflects humility and a commitment to the team and the mission. People notice, it strengthens trust and relationships, and those relationships become your greatest asset.
How to Do It:
- Celebrate wins: Give credit for success to others.
- Provide support: Help teammates when they’re stuck.
- Build relationships: Forge connections across teams and departments.
Key Reminder:
If your efforts are driven by self-interest, people will see through it. Genuine support and teamwork create lasting impact—and that’s what gets noticed.
3. Execute and Deliver
At the end of the day, promotions come down to trust – trust that you have the team’s best interest at heart, trust that you will do what you say, and trust that you will be able to deliver results at a higher level. Trusting that you will be able to deliver results in a higher role, therefore, means you must be doing so in your current role. Exceed expectations to show that you can take on responsibility and handle it well.
Key to Success:
Don’t just deliver what’s asked of you—deliver what’s needed. Understand the bigger picture and focus on results that matter.
Tips for Execution:
- Prioritize work to ensure the most important things get done first.
- Communicate clearly and keep your boss and team updated on progress.
- Own it: If something doesn’t go as planned, be honest about it and pivot quickly.
The Long Game
So, “How do I get promoted quickly?” … the truth is the timeline for promotion is usually out of your hands. Organizational priorities, available roles, and timing all play a role.
What you can control is how you show up every day. When you consistently take ownership, elevate your team, and deliver results, you build a reputation as someone who is indispensable. You’re not just seen as capable—you’re seen as ready.
Promotions aren’t about you—they’re about what you contribute to the team, the mission, and the organization.When you approach your work with ownership, humility, and a focus on results, you won’t just be ready for the next step—you’ll be the obvious choice.
