The 5 Elements of a Winning Promotion Strategy

I remember the day I realized I'd been playing the promotion game all wrong.

It hit me like a ton of bricks.

I’ve always been a high achiever. I worked hard but I was constantly praised for that dedication. Until… I wasn’t.

Think getting that VP promotion is just about working harder and doing more of what you've always done? Think again.

Most people assume that their work performance is the key to leveling up. But here's what I realized that day: your accomplishments only make up 20% of the strategy for executive promotions.

That means if you're only focusing on results, you could be decreasing your chances of a promotion by a whopping 80%.

So, what makes up that crucial 80%?

Let's dive into the five elements you need to master to position yourself as the obvious choice for promotion and take control of the process.

The 5 Elements of a Winning Promotion Strategy

1. Uncover Promotion Criteria To Do Work That Matters

This is the step that most people skip.

They are so sure that doing more of what they are doing will get them promoted, that they never ask: what does it really take?

At the VP level, you’ll need to understand the formal and informal criteria your company uses for VP promotions. This involves knowing what success looks like at the VP level in your specific organization and discipline.

Without knowing the real benchmarks, you're shooting in the dark.

Some companies might value financial acumen, others favor creativity. Some value culture and leadership above technical proficiency, while others promote leaders who have an internal following.

• Notice what gets praised in company communications. Is it innovation? Cost-saving? Team building?

  
  

• Analyze previous promotions: Observe the people who have been promoted to VP roles. What qualities, behaviors, or achievements set them apart?

  
  

• Align with company goals: Ensure your work is tied to what the company values most at the executive level.

  
  
  
  

2. Secure Key Sponsors

I’ve said this a million times, so here is one million and one: You won’t get promoted alone.

At the executive level promotions require social proof in the form of advocacy from senior leaders within the organization.

Their backing can make the difference between being considered or overlooked.

Think of it like Amazon reviews for your career.

Just as you prefer products with lots of 5-star reviews, companies prefer to promote executives with strong internal backing.

• Identify and nurture key relationships with influential stakeholders. Map out who holds influence over VP promotion decisions in your company.

  
  

• Get on their radar: Make sure your accomplishments are visible to your sponsors. Regularly update them on your progress and seek feedback.

  
  

• Activate your sponsors: When the time is right, ask your sponsors to advocate on your behalf. Provide them with key talking points on your contributions and the strategic value you bring.

Remember, not all relationships are created equal.

Be strategic about who you're connecting with and how you're nurturing those relationships.

3. Control Your Narrative

This is about consistently communicating your value and achievements within the organization and positioning yourself as the obvious choice for VP promotion.

If you don't tell your story, someone else will - and they might get it wrong.

This is how you stand out and rise above the noise in a very competitive environment.

• Develop your executive presence: Embody executive skills and show up every day demonstrating your executive presence.

  This helps you sell yourself on autopilot, sending non-verbal cues that essentially say, "I'm ready."

  
  

• Intentionally communicate your desire for growth: Leaders don't read minds.

  If you don't put yourself in the race, someone else will take your place. Talk about growth, increasing scope and influence, and plant seeds for your future goals.

4. Present a Business Case

While most companies don't require a formal business case for promotion, creating one can accelerate your promotion process.

You’ll be creating a data-backed argument that clearly demonstrates why promoting you to VP is in the company's best interest.

It's not just a summary of your achievements, but a future-facing plan that ties your growth to the company's success.

• Frame your contributions in terms of ROI: Quantify your past successes in financial or strategic terms. Show how your work has driven revenue, improved efficiency, or supported growth.

  
  

• Tie your promotion to the company's future needs: Highlight how your promotion will enable the company to achieve key objectives.

  For example, explain how your leadership will help expand into new markets, improve operations, or drive innovation.

5. Leverage Timing and Political Landscape

Understanding when to push for promotion and navigating the internal political dynamics of your organization is crucial.

VP promotions can sometimes depend on being in the right place at the right time.

Knowing when to make your move can be as important as what you've achieved.

• Know the promotion cycles: Learn when your company typically promotes VPs—during budget reviews, reorganizations, or after major milestones.

  Time your push for promotion to coincide with these cycles.

  
  

• Understand the political landscape: Identify who holds influence in promotion decisions and what their priorities are.

  Adjust your strategy based on the company's current leadership dynamics and needs.

The Hidden 80% in Action

By now, you can see how focusing solely on your job performance leaves 80% of the promotion strategy on the table.

Each of these five elements plays a crucial role in positioning you for that VP role.

Think of it this way: your stellar performance gets you into the game, but mastering these five elements is how you win it.

By addressing all aspects of this strategy, you're not just working harder - you're working smarter.

Your Next Steps

Ready to take control of your promotion strategy? Here's a quick self-assessment to see where you stand:

For each of the five elements, rate yourself on a scale of 1-5 (1 being "I haven't started" and 5 being "I've got this nailed"):

1. Uncovering Promotion Criteria: ___

2. Securing Key Sponsors: ___

3. Controlling Your Narrative: ___

4. Presenting a Business Case: ___

5. Leveraging Timing and Politics: ___

Now, look at your scores. Any area below a 4 is an opportunity for improvement.

I believe in you, and I’m rooting for you.

Maya ❤️