Read Time – 3 Minutes

A lot of people aren’t going to like this, but here’s the truth: getting promoted is only partially about performance.

I know, I know. It should be all about performance. The person who works the hardest, delivers the most, and proves their worth should be the one who climbs the ladder.

That’s fair, right?

But that’s not how it works.

If you’ve been grinding away, delivering top-tier results, getting all the qualifications, and still watching others — sometimes people you know aren’t working as hard — get promoted ahead of you, it’s because you’ve been playing by the wrong rules.

Let me introduce you to Harvey Coleman’s PIE model, which explains what actually drives promotion decisions.

According to Coleman, three things matter:

>> Performance (10%) – Yes, you need to be good at your job. But that’s just the start. It gets you in the game, but it doesn’t win you the prize.

>> Image (30%) – How people perceive you matters. Are you seen as a leader? Do people trust and respect you? Do you look and act like someone who belongs in the next-level role?

>> Exposure (60%) – This is the big one. Do the right people know you and what you bring to the table? Are you visible to key decision-makers? Are you in the conversations where big decisions are made?

Why High Performers Stay Stuck

Most high performers focus almost entirely on performance.

They think, If I just work harder, prove myself, and rack up more wins, someone will notice and reward me.

Wrong.

Here’s what happens instead:

>> You over-deliver, thinking that sheer effort will get you noticed. But in reality, it just makes you indispensable in your current role — so they keep you there.

>> You keep taking on more responsibility, hoping it’ll prove your readiness for the next level. But instead, you become the go-to problem solver for your boss, which makes them reluctant to let you go.

>> You earn more qualifications, thinking it’ll make you a better candidate. But in reality, promotions aren’t about who’s most qualified — they’re about who’s most visible and influential.

Sound familiar?

How to Actually Get Promoted

If you want to move up, you need to shift your focus. Yes, keep doing great work — but start putting energy into image and exposure, too.

#1 Stop Being Invisible

If you’re just “keeping your head down and doing the work,” you’re doing yourself a disservice. Promotions don’t go to invisible work horses.

Start showing up in the right places:

>> Speak up in meetings. Not just about the work you’ve done, but about ideas, solutions, and strategies.

>> Volunteer for cross-functional projects where you can interact with senior leaders.

>> Build relationships with decision-makers. Make sure they know who you are and what you bring to the table.

#2 Manage Your Image

How do people see you?

Are you known as a doer – but not necessarily a leader? Are you seen as someone who gets things done, but not someone who can set the direction?

Start shaping your image:

>> Show confidence, even if you don’t feel it 100% of the time.

>> Position yourself as someone who can handle leadership responsibilities.

>> Pay attention to how you communicate. Leaders speak with clarity, conviction, and strategic thinking.

#3 Manage Your Boss

Your boss is a key player in your promotion. But here’s the thing — your boss might not actually want to promote you.

Why? Because if you’re an A-player on their team, losing you creates a problem for them.

So, make it clear that:

>> You want to grow and advance.

>> You’re already thinking and acting at the next level.

>> You’re developing someone to step into your role when you move up (which removes your boss’s fear of losing you).

#4 Find Advocates

A lot of promotions don’t happen because of the boss — they happen because someone else in the organization champions you.

Who are your advocates?

>> A senior leader who sees your value and can vouch for you.

>> A mentor who gives you guidance and visibility.

>> Peers who respect and support you (because their opinion matters more than you think).

#5 Speak the Language of Business

Being great at your job isn’t enough. You need to connect your work to business results.

>> Instead of saying, I led this project successfully, say, I led this project, which saved the company $X or increased revenue by Y%.

>> Instead of, I’m great at solving problems, say, I make strategic decisions that drive company goals.

The Harsh Reality

The people who get promoted aren’t necessarily the hardest workers. They’re the ones who understand how promotions actually work.

So, if you’ve been passed over, it’s not because you’re not good enough.

It’s because you’re following the wrong strategy.

Start focusing on visibility, relationships, and positioning yourself as a leader — and watch what happens.

Because the moment you stop waiting to be noticed and start making yourself known? That’s when things change.

Your move. 😉

P.S. Whenever you’re ready, here’s how I can help you:

>> Free Training: The 3 Secret Saboteurs. Join me in this FREE training to learn how to overcome 3 secret saboteurs so that you can finally achieve your goals and live the life you actually want – without the stress and overwhelm. Watch now.

>> Spotlight Coaching Session: One hour 1:2:1 coaching session to explore one particular area where you need clarity and a way forward. Designed to be a catalyst for change - to explore the issues, help you identify initial actions and to get you moving. ​Book now.

>> Breakthrough Coaching: This is my transformative one-on-one coaching program designed to quickly and easily remove ALL the unhelpful beliefs, behaviours and negative emotions that are holding you back and keeping you stuck. Find out more here.

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