Here is what you should consider putting into your regular routines if you want to increase your chances:
- Surround yourself with people who can help you move up (power circle) - mentors/sponsors/coaches - these people will also be the ones to provide you with feedback which is crucial for career growth - solicit feedback from all related stakeholders as often as possible - colleagues, senior management, friends, coaches, mentors, etc.
- Do beyond what your role requires of you - look for opportunities in other departments, expose yourself to the whole business, not just one functional area, learn different things, understand how the whole business machine operates from different angles - volunteer / offer your help where possible. Make time for this no matter how busy you are with your current role. It is a trap - most people don’t move up because they don’t make time for such things.
- Make sure the right people know you are interested to move up. Build and maintain strong relationships with senior leaders of your organization and industry leaders. Follow their leads, observe how they operate - learn from them. Show loyalty and honesty - be strategic with the right people who can help you move up. No one does it alone; at the end, you need someone to push you, help you, open doors for you. And, when those doors get opened, make sure you do the same for others.
