Runway to Promotion

By the time a role gets posted, the conversation about who might fill it has often been happening for months.

The leaders who advance are usually thinking about succession long before there's an opening. If you want your name to come up, don't wait for the posting. Let your leaders know where you'd like to go and give them opportunities to see you growing into that next step.

Career readiness isn't something you scramble to prove when an opportunity appears. It's built steadily in the months, and often years, before it does.

Think of it as a two-year runway:

Be visible. Make it easy for decisionmakers to see the value you bring. Speak up in meetings. Ask thoughtful questions. Share ideas and insights.

Build advocates. Who will speak positively about your work when you're not in the room? Invest in relationships, collaborate across teams, and expand your network.

Work on the gaps. What's one skill, experience, or stretch assignment that would make you even more ready for the role you want? Start there.

When you've been laying the groundwork consistently, a promotion isn't about proving yourself at the last minute. It's a natural next step because people have already seen your growth and potential.

So, here's the question: What's one thing you'll do this quarter to prepare for the opportunity you want next?