How to Be Proactive and Get Promoted at Work

In today’s fast-paced work environment, climbing the corporate ladder requires more than just showing up and doing your job. It’s about being intentional, taking initiative, and making sure your contributions are noticed. But how do you ensure you’re on the right track for that coveted promotion? It’s not just about working harder—it’s about working smarter and aligning your efforts with both your personal goals and your company’s objectives.

We’ve gathered insights from 22 thought leaders who have cracked the code to get promoted at work. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned professional, these strategies will help you stand out and advance in your career.

The Importance of Promotions in Your Career

Before jumping into strategies, it’s helpful to understand why promotions are so important. According to LinkedIn, employees who move up within their company are 47% more likely to stay with their employer for at least three years compared to those who stay in the same role. This shows that career advancement is not just good for you but also helps companies keep their best talent.

But here’s the thing—promotions today aren’t just about how long you’ve been in a role. A Harvard Business Review article points out that many companies now focus on merit-based promotions. This means they’re looking for people who show initiative, leadership, and who align well with the company’s goals—regardless of how long they’ve been there.

By understanding how promotions work, you can better navigate your career and use the strategies below to position yourself for success.

Discuss Ambitions with Managers

Being transparent about your career goals is crucial. Make sure your managers know about your desire for growth and progression. By communicating your ambitions, you're not only putting yourself on their radar for future opportunities, but you're also showing your commitment to the company. Additionally, pursuing further learning and development—whether through company-sponsored programs or on your own—can set you apart from others.

💡Expert Tips:

"When trying to secure a promotion at work, it helps to be as transparent as possible. Discuss with line managers your hope for progression, your desire for growth, your commitment to learning, and your overall ambition. This lets them know you are actively aiming higher, and your employer can support your development, consider you when an opening arises, and also bear in mind when completing performance reviews and setting goals.

It also pays to put time and effort into additional learning where possible, whether that be with the financial backing of your company or something you organize privately. By continuously adding to your skills and knowledge, it will support your application for promotions and could be the influencing factor between two candidates."

Wendy Makinson, HR Manager, Joloda Hydraroll

Set Goals with Manager's Guidance

Work with your manager to set measurable personal development goals. Make your intentions clear and ask for their help in creating a roadmap with milestones that lead to a promotion. Taking on responsibilities that align with your desired role before you're formally promoted is another smart move. This demonstrates that you're ready for the next step.

💡Expert Tips:

"One strategy is to work closely with your manager to set measurable personal development goals. Make it clear that you're aiming for a promotion, and ask them to help create a roadmap with milestones that will get you there. This keeps you accountable and signals your intent directly. Another tactic is to take on the responsibilities of your desired role before you get the title. For example, start leading smaller projects or team initiatives if you seek a leadership position. By proving you can already do the job, you make it easier for decision-makers to envision you in that role."

Shane McEvoy, MD, Flycast Media

Increase Company-Wide Visibility

Expanding your visibility across different departments can be a game-changer. Engage in cross-functional teams and participate in projects outside your usual scope. This shows initiative and positions you as a key player within the company, making it easier for others to recognize your potential for higher roles.

💡Expert Tips:

"One strategy to help secure a promotion at work is to increase your visibility within your company. This means engaging with different departments and participating in cross-functional teams. By doing so, you broaden your network and showcase your skills to more people. This increased interaction will help you gain a reputation as a collaborative and reliable employee. Additionally, actively contributing to projects outside your usual scope demonstrates both initiative and a willingness to go above and beyond your regular day-to-day tasks. This approach will prove that you are someone who can handle greater responsibilities and boost your chances of being noticed and promoted."

Bayu Prihandito, Founder, Psychology Consultant, Life Coach for Men, Life Architekture

Seek and Act on Feedback

Regularly seeking feedback and acting on it is a proactive way to improve and align your efforts with company goals. Don’t wait for annual reviews—ask for input frequently and use it to refine your skills and contributions. This not only enhances your performance but also shows that you’re committed to continuous improvement.

💡Expert Tips:

"One proactive strategy that I encourage my employees to use when trying to secure a promotion is seeking feedback and acting on that feedback. A lot of people just try to get their jobs done to the best of their abilities and stop there. While that's still an excellent way to do good work and possibly get noticed, there are a lot of things that can go unnoticed (both from the employee's side and from the employer's side).

By actively seeking feedback on your work, you can identify key areas that need improvement. You can also align your improvements with company goals, meaning you can provide a lot more value to the company by making changes that focus on growth and skill development."

Kam Talebi, CEO, Gigli

Cultivate Relationships with Influencers

Building strong relationships with key decision-makers and influencers within your organization is vital. Identify who holds sway in your company, and engage with them through meaningful conversations and mutual interests. Seek mentorship to gain insights and guidance on navigating workplace dynamics. Regular one-on-one meetings with your manager can also keep your career aspirations on their radar.

💡Expert Tips:

"One of the most effective ways to secure a promotion is to cultivate relationships with key decision-makers and influencers within your organization. This effort involves more than just attending meetings or social events; it requires active engagement and genuine conversations. Start by identifying who holds significant sway in your company. These people might be in management, HR, or even long-term employees who know the ropes. Take the time to understand their roles and what challenges they face. When you show that you're interested in more than just your advancement, people are more willing to support you.

A practical strategy for building a strong internal network is to seek mentorship. Find someone whose career path you admire and ask for guidance. This relationship will offer insights into the company's culture and expectations, and help you make informed decisions. Additionally, regular one-on-one meetings with your own manager can keep you on their radar for future opportunities. Use these sessions to discuss your career aspirations and demonstrate how your growth can benefit the team and the organization. This proactive approach ensures you're not just another name in the office but a memorable, indispensable part of the team."

Connor Butterworth, CEO & Owner, Southwestern Rugs Depot

Communicate Career Goals Clearly

Be upfront about your career goals with management. Open discussions about your aspirations ensure that everyone is on the same page and that your ambitions align with the company’s vision. Pair this with seeking mentorship within the organization to gain insights and guidance on how to advance your career.

💡Expert Tips:

"One proactive strategy for securing a promotion is to establish clear career goals and communicate them effectively with management. By having open discussions about aspirations, employees can ensure that their ambitions are known and aligned with the organization's vision. 

Taking the initiative to set measurable targets not only shows dedication but also helps in monitoring progress. Moreover, seeking out mentorship opportunities within the company can provide invaluable insights and guidance. A mentor can assist in navigating workplace dynamics and help the employee develop the skills necessary for advancement. Combining these approaches with consistent performance in their current role will significantly enhance their chances of being considered for promotion."

Amit Doshi, Founder & CEO, MyTurn

Document Achievements with Hard Data

Keep a detailed record of your achievements, particularly those that have a measurable impact on the company. Use this documentation during performance reviews to highlight your contributions and reinforce your case for promotion. By regularly updating your work journal with successes and challenges overcome, you create a powerful tool to showcase your value.

💡Expert Tips:

"Documenting your achievements isn't just about jotting down what you did at work. It's about creating a work journal that captures the essence of your contributions. Start by maintaining a running log of key projects you've worked on, challenges you've faced, and how you overcame them. Don't forget to include measurable outcomes—think in terms of figures like percentage growth in sales, time saved on a project, or positive feedback from clients or managers.

When it's time for your performance review, this work journal becomes a powerful tool. Instead of struggling to recall past achievements, you'll have a well-documented record ready to present. Share stories that highlight your impact, backed by hard data. This not only shows your consistency but also your proactive approach to personal and professional development. Managers will see you as someone who's not just doing their job, but actively contributing to the organization's success."

Mary Tung, Founder & CEO, Lido.app

Define and Share Promotion Goals

Clearly define what your desired promotion looks like and ensure that there’s a gap within the company for it. Share these goals with your manager and create a plan together to achieve them. This approach shows that you’re serious about your career progression and are willing to take the necessary steps to make it happen.

💡Expert Tips:

"First of all, you need to define a very clear goal: what the promotion looks like. Do you want to become a team leader, a senior, an executive, or create a completely new role? Second of all, you need to make sure this particular gap exists within your company. Is there space for the promotion? And third, and most important, you need to make your intention known to your direct manager and define together an actionable plan and timeline to achieve this."

Alexandru Samoila, Head of Operations, Connect Vending

Design a Personal Development Plan

Create a personal development plan with actionable goals and timelines. This plan should focus on both your career growth and aligning with the company’s objectives. Regularly review and adjust your plan to stay on track and demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and development.

💡Expert Tips:

"One major strategy I would advise anyone who wants a promotion to take is to proactively design a personal development plan. This plan should have clear, actionable goals with defined timelines in which the person can take note of their progress and ensure they remain focused on their career growth trajectory. When these goals match the company's objectives, employees not only show their commitment but also their potential for leadership. In my experience, this has been an effective approach to developing skills and mindsets that lead to progression, be it for me or for mentored personnel in my company."

Sandra Malouf, President, Eurolog Packing Group

Find Mentors and Sponsors

Mentors and sponsors can significantly impact your career trajectory. While mentors provide guidance and advice, sponsors actively advocate for you within the company. Build relationships with both to gain insights, develop your skills, and increase your chances of being recommended for promotions.

💡Expert Tips:

"Finding mentors and sponsors can be game-changers for anyone aiming for a promotion. A mentor shares wisdom, offers career advice, and helps you navigate challenges. This person should be someone with experience and success in the area you're trying to grow. Choose a mentor who is approachable and willing to invest time in your development. Ask them straightforward questions about their career path, the skills you should develop, and how they overcame obstacles. The idea is to learn from their successes and mistakes to create your own roadmap.

On the other hand, a sponsor is different. A sponsor actively advocates for you and your capabilities to higher-ups. They have the clout within the organization to open doors for you. Building a relationship with a sponsor might involve more strategic networking—showing up at the right meetings, delivering great work under their observation, and consistently demonstrating your value. Think of ways to showcase your skills and successes that align with the interests and needs of potential sponsors. Your goal is to get noticed as someone capable and deserving of greater responsibility. A mentor guides, but a sponsor champions your cause at the decision-making table."

Casey Meraz, CEO, Juris Digital

State Intent Early for Promotion

Don’t wait until your annual review to express your interest in a promotion. Make your intentions known early and ask for specific steps you need to take to achieve your goal. Regular check-ins with your manager can help you stay on track and adjust your efforts as needed.

💡Expert Tips:

"Many people have this skewed idea that you can just turn up to a meeting with all the data that you're doing amazingly and request your boss for a promotion. That's not how it works. When you spring this kind of information, it doesn't give them a chance to help you. They might not be prepared to discuss your future. Plus, what if there's no room for another promotion in the company?

You need to state your intent early on. Let your manager or boss know that you want to be promoted and that you're actively working on making it happen. Ask them what specific steps you need to take to reach that goal. This opens up a conversation. You can check in every couple of months to get feedback."

Riley Beam, Managing Attorney, Douglas R. Beam, P.A.

Align with Company's Future Goals

To position yourself for a promotion, align your work with the company’s future goals. By anticipating upcoming projects or strategic shifts, you can demonstrate your ability to think ahead and show that you’re invested in the long-term success of the company.

💡Expert Tips:

"To secure a promotion, align yourself with the company’s future goals. Identify upcoming projects or strategic shifts, and proactively position yourself as a key contributor. This demonstrates your ability to think ahead and shows that you’re invested in the long-term success of the company, making you a natural choice for advancement."

Josh Qian, COO and Co-Founder, Best Online Cabinets

Document Accomplishments Regularly

Keep a running log of your accomplishments, focusing on how they’ve positively impacted the company. When the time comes to discuss a promotion, you’ll have a clear, documented record of your contributions ready to present.

💡Expert Tips:

"Securing a promotion requires both strategy and initiative. One approach I've found useful is regularly documenting my accomplishments. Instead of waiting for the annual review, I keep track of my wins—whether it's improving SEO rankings for a client or helping streamline workflow processes. This way, when the opportunity for a promotion arises, I have a clear track record to showcase my impact and results, making it easier to demonstrate why I deserve the role.

Another proactive strategy is to take on leadership responsibilities, even if they're not formally assigned. I look for areas where I can step up, whether that's mentoring newer team members or spearheading new projects. It shows initiative, commitment, and readiness for the next level."

Azam Mohamed Nisamdeen, Founder, Convert Chat

Build a Strong Internal Network

Building relationships across departments not only expands your visibility but also helps you understand the broader business landscape. This knowledge can be invaluable when positioning yourself for a promotion, as it shows you’re a team player and understand the company’s overall goals.

💡Expert Tips:

"A key approach is to build a strong network within the company. Promotions are not just about your hard skills or KPIs; they're also about how well you connect and communicate with others. I've always made it a point to build relationships across departments, seeking feedback, and learning from peers and mentors alike. This not only expands your visibility but also provides insights into the broader business challenges and opportunities that your role can impact. Being proactive in your relationship-building efforts shows that you're not just focused on your own advancement, but also on contributing to the overall team dynamics and company culture."

Dinesh Agarwal, Founder, CEO, RecurPost

Lead Projects to Show Initiative

Identify areas where you can take the lead on projects, particularly those that address inefficiencies or gaps within your department. Successfully leading such initiatives demonstrates your problem-solving abilities and your readiness for more significant responsibilities.

💡Expert Tips:

"To secure a promotion, look for areas where processes can be improved or where your team might need additional support. For example, if you notice inefficiencies in workflow or gaps in service delivery, take the initiative to propose and lead a project aimed at resolving these issues. By doing so, you not only showcase your problem-solving skills but also demonstrate your proactive attitude and commitment to improving your department's performance. Such initiative highlights your ability to contribute at a higher level and prepares you for more significant responsibilities.

Equally important is how you communicate your achievements to your supervisors. Regularly update them on the progress and outcomes of the projects or improvements you have spearheaded. Provide detailed reports on how your initiatives have positively impacted the team or the organization. This visibility is essential in making sure that your efforts are recognized and that you are seen as a valuable asset ready for advancement. Effective communication about your contributions reinforces your readiness for a promotion and helps ensure that your accomplishments are aligned with the organization's goals and priorities."

Oliver Morrisey, Owner, Director, Empower Wills & Estate Lawyers

Present a Career Plan to Management

Create a career plan and present it to your manager during a scheduled meeting. This plan should outline your long-term goals and the steps you intend to take to achieve them. Regularly check in with your manager to discuss your progress and adjust your plan as needed.

💡Expert Tips:

"Securing a promotion requires a proactive approach that goes beyond daily tasks. 

Schedule a meeting with your line manager to discuss your long-term career goals. Present a well-thought-out plan that outlines the steps you intend to take to reach the next level, and ask for their input on how to refine and achieve these goals.

Arrange periodic check-ins with your manager and, if possible, other members of the management team. These meetings can serve as opportunities to track your progress, receive feedback, and adjust your strategy as needed. Regular discussions also keep your aspirations top-of-mind for those who can influence your promotion.

Continuously develop relevant skills through training, certifications, or online courses. This not only enhances your expertise but also shows your commitment to growth.

Volunteer for new projects, especially those that are visible to leadership. This demonstrates your willingness to go beyond your current role and take on additional responsibilities.

Demonstrate leadership qualities, even if you're not in a management role. This can include mentoring junior colleagues, leading meetings, or spearheading team initiatives.

Keep a detailed record of your accomplishments, particularly those that have positively impacted the company. This evidence will be crucial when advocating for your promotion.

Show how your work supports the organization's objectives. Understanding and aligning with the company's strategic goals can position you as a valuable asset to the team.

By applying these strategies, including proactively discussing your career path and regularly tracking your progress with management, you can effectively position yourself for a promotion."

Sarah Lasaracina, CIO, AlfredHospitalityAI.com

Have Open Conversations About Goals

Open communication with your manager about your career goals is essential. Don’t just work hard and hope someone notices—be direct about your aspirations and ask for guidance on how to achieve them. Regularly update your manager on your progress to keep your goals top-of-mind.

💡Expert Tips:

"Telling your manager that you're aiming for a promotion is crucial. It's not enough to just work hard and hope someone notices. Sit down with your manager and have an open conversation about your career goals. Let them know you want to move up and ask what specific steps you need to take to get there. Being direct shows you're serious and gives you a clear roadmap.

Make sure you follow up regularly on this roadmap. During performance reviews or casual check-ins, update your manager on your progress and ask for feedback. This keeps your goals top-of-mind and shows your commitment. It also allows you to adjust your plan as needed, ensuring you're always on the right track."

Jean Chen, COO & Co-Founder, Mondressy

Align Efforts with Company Objectives

Ensure that your work aligns with the company’s objectives. Understand what success looks like from the company’s perspective and find ways to contribute to those goals. Networking within the organization can also help you build relationships and gain visibility across departments.

💡Expert Tips:

"If you're aiming for a promotion, it's crucial to align yourself with your company's goals and show how you can contribute to achieving them. In my case, I made it a priority to understand what success looks like from the company's perspective—whether it's increasing revenue, boosting client satisfaction, or enhancing operational efficiency. I then looked for opportunities to align my efforts with those objectives. For example, I took ownership of client onboarding processes and introduced a few tweaks that led to a noticeable increase in customer retention rates.

Networking within the organization is also key. Sometimes we think of networking only as something you do outside the company, but building strong relationships with people across different departments can make a big difference. It's about being visible and showing you're a team player. I've found that collaborating on cross-departmental projects has not only expanded my skill set but also demonstrated to leadership that I'm capable of handling more responsibility."

JD Lloyd, Business Development Manager and Project Manager, Bella Virtual Staging

Exceed Expectations and Take Initiative

Taking initiative and consistently going above and beyond in your role is one of the most effective ways to secure a promotion. Continuously learning and adapting to new opportunities, along with networking and seeking mentorship, will also help you advance in your career.

💡Expert Tips:

"As someone who has worked in nearly every role in tech, from engineering to CEO, I've seen many strategies for career advancement. The most effective is taking initiative and going above and beyond. Early in my career, I automated several manual processes, saving my company thousands of hours. My managers promoted me quickly. 

Continuous learning is key. The tech industry changes fast, so I read voraciously to stay up to date. I advised my team to do the same, and we pivoted quickly to new opportunities. We were able to build new products and features ahead of competitors.

Networking and mentorship also help. I joined industry groups to connect with other leaders. Their advice has been invaluable, leading to new clients and opportunities. I encouraged ambitious employees to find mentors, then gave them chances to prove themselves, like asking an inexperienced employee to lead our social media marketing. She devoted extra time to learning and increased leads by 50% in six months. I promoted her to marketing manager.

The most motivated employees are transparent about their goals. I advise clarifying ambitions with managers, then working relentlessly to exceed expectations. When executives see your value, you'll progress steadily toward promotions and raises. The key is consistently going above and beyond."

Kendall Miller, Owner & Chief Incident Officer, Friday Deployment Spirits

Analyze Peers and Set Clear Goals

Observe the habits and behaviors of peers who are likely candidates for promotion. Use this information to set clear goals for yourself, and create a plan to achieve them as quickly as possible.

💡Expert Tips:

"One of the best things someone can do to secure a promotion at work is to first, look at the person they feel is most likely to get a promotion. What are they doing that's putting them above everyone else? How many hours are they working? How do they treat others?

And second, make a goal (or goals). What goal do you want to hit or achieve to show that you're taking your position seriously and it makes sense to give you a promotion? Then figure out the steps you need to take to get there as quickly as possible."

Grace Moser, CEO & Owner of Chasing Foxes, Chasing Foxes

Win Industry Awards for Recognition

Winning industry awards can boost your visibility and provide third-party validation of your skills and achievements. Consider nominating yourself for relevant awards and ask your company for support in this effort.

💡Expert Tips:

"One effective strategy to secure a promotion is to nominate yourself for, and win, industry awards like '40 Under 40' or 'Most Powerful Women in Business.' Awards provide third-party validation and elevate your professional profile, signaling your readiness for advancement. Many professionals don’t realize that self-nomination is common and encouraged. Companies often use PR firms to craft winning submissions, and you can do the exact same thing.

You can also ask your manager to include award nominations in your development plan and ask your company to support your efforts, even covering the cost of hiring a professional if needed. Simply showing you're interested in winning is a great way to show your manager that you are ambitious, looking to grow, and can help secure future opportunities and promotions."

Alison Meyer, Founder, Indigo Communications

Volunteer for Extra Responsibilities

Taking on extra responsibilities, even those outside your job description, can demonstrate your willingness to go above and beyond. This proactive approach can help you build connections, develop new skills, and position yourself as a strong candidate for promotion.

💡Expert Tips:

"You have to be proactive and ready to give a little extra. Sometimes, it's about stepping up and taking on tasks that aren't necessarily in your job description. I've learned that saying 'yes' to different projects and responsibilities has helped me a lot. It's not just about doing your job well. It's about showing you're willing to go beyond what's expected. By embracing new opportunities and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, you make yourself stand out and build connections that can open doors to promotions. It's all about being open to new challenges and showing that you're ready for more."

Callum Laing, Founder, Veblen Director Program

Securing a promotion isn’t just about being good at your job—it’s about being strategic, proactive, and visible. By implementing these tips, you can position yourself as an indispensable part of your organization, making it clear that you’re ready for the next step in your career. Remember, promotions don’t happen by chance; they’re the result of deliberate actions and a commitment to continuous growth. So take the initiative, seek feedback, build relationships, and let your ambition shine through. With the right approach, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your career goals.