“Your future role is hiding inside the problems your coworkers avoid.”

Today’s Ladder:

Why Some Get Promoted While Others Don’t

Hard work gets you promoted, right?

Not exactly.

If that were true, the hardest workers would always rise to the top.

But look around your company—some people climb the ladder fast, while others stay stuck for years.

The difference?

It’s not about working harder. It’s about communicating your impact.

You’ve seen it happen:

• That one coworker who started after you but is already moving up.

• The leader who seems to “magically” attract opportunities.

• Meanwhile, you’re stuck wondering what they know that you don’t.

The reality is this:

Promotions don’t go to the hardest worker. They go to the most visible, strategic, and influential person in the room.

Instead of waiting to be noticed, they actively position themselves for leadership.

And the good news? You can do the same.

The Fastest Path to Promotion

1️⃣ Become known for solving high-value problems. Don’t just do what’s assigned—identify gaps, take initiative, and drive results that matter.

2️⃣ Master strategic visibility. Leaders promote the people they see making an impact. Speak up in meetings, share wins, and make sure the right people know what you bring to the table.

3️⃣ Develop leadership presence. Confidence, clear communication, and decision-making skills separate future leaders from everyone else. Show you’re ready for the next level before you get the title.

Why are these 3 key moves so effective?

Promotions don’t happen by accident. The people who rise fast don’t wait to be chosen—they position themselves for leadership.

And when you do that consistently, the next promotion won’t be a matter of if, but when.

Want to get promoted faster?

Stop waiting to be noticed. Start making your value impossible to ignore.

Takeaway:

The Strategy That’ll Get You Noticed

You’ve been at your job longer than the newbie at the next table. You’ve worked just as hard.

Maybe harder.

Yet, when the promotion list comes out, his name is there.

Yours isn’t.

Your frustration simmers.

So, at lunch, you corner the newbie. “How’d you do it?”

He shrugs. “I stopped just doing my job and started thinking like our boss.” 

• What keeps them up at night?

• What problems do they need solved?

That night, you replay his words.

You’ve been waiting for recognition.

But him? He made himself undeniable.

So you change your strategy.

Instead of just completing tasks, you anticipate what’s next. Instead of waiting to be noticed, you start speaking up with solutions.

A few months later, your boss pulls you aside. “I see what you’ve been doing. Let’s talk about your future here.”

This time… you’re on the list.

ICYMI: Links to popular issues

💥 The Productivity Hack… That gurus don't teach

📢 Win the Tough Conversations: How to handle difficult people without losing your cool

💸 Earn What You’re Worth: How to master your next salary negotiation with confidence.

To your success,

Dr. Lex ✍️

Founder, Career Ladder | Career MBA