5 Great Habits to Help You Get Promoted

Shaun Gerde
Published May 23, 2025


We all see certain people shooting up the career ladder, always picking up new roles and opportunities. They might seem lucky, but in reality, they are following some strong habits that help them move up.

Here’s a rundown of five powerful habits that could boost your chances of landing that next big promotion:
 

1. Speak Up About Wanting a Promotion


Getting promoted isn’t easy these days. Reports show that fewer people are getting bumped up to manager roles. If you want to move up, you've got to be clear about it.

Tell your boss directly that you're ready for more responsibility and ask what steps you need to take to get that promotion. This tells your boss you’re serious and ready to step up.
 

2. Always Deliver Top-Quality Work


Promotions aren’t given to people who do an okay job; they are for those who excel. Aim to be the person everyone can rely on, the one who catches mistakes that others miss.

If people can trust you to fix things when they go wrong, and if your work shows you take pride in what you do, you’re signaling that you’re ready for the next level.
 

3. Lead by Working Well With Others


Promotions don’t just come from being good at working with your team. You've got to be the one who strengthens the team.

Lead by example: help your coworkers, involve less experienced team members in key decisions, and treat everyone with respect. This builds trust and shows you are promotion material.
 

4. Do Work That Really Matters


There's regular work, and then there's work that makes a big difference. If you want to get ahead, focus on tasks and projects that really matter to the company.

Identify what’s most important to your boss and the organization, and put your effort there. Being busy isn't enough; being impactful is what earns a promotion.
 

5. Keep Track of Your Achievements


Your boss and colleagues might not remember your great work after some time, so it’s crucial to keep a record of your achievements.

Note down what you’ve accomplished, like saving money for the company or finishing projects early. Regularly share these wins with your boss to make it easier for them to see your value when considering promotions.

Check out: 3 Essential Questions to Consider Before Taking a Leadership Role

Remember, getting promoted isn’t just about how long you’ve been at a company. It’s about being an invaluable, effective, and ambitious professional. These five habits are the building blocks to growing your career.

By following them, you show respect and reliability and take initiative in a way that makes it hard for leaders not to notice you. Stick with these habits and you’re not just asking if you’ll get a promotion, but when. Good luck on your career journey!

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