How to get promoted in a company that rewards popular (but less competent) colleagues?

Does the following sounds familiar:

Dear MoxyKit,

I consistently excel in my role, frequently driving challenging projects with tight deadlines to successful outcomes. Colleagues and executives appreciate my reliability, creativity, and ability to get things done. I have always received high praises for my work.

Despite this, I've observed that more vocal, often less capable colleagues are advancing faster.

How can I ensure my dedication and hard work are acknowledged in a workplace that sometimes prioritizes popularity over substance?

To advance in your career, you need to learn the art of being your own best advocate. Great work needs to be paired with strong self-advocacy so others can recognize and understand what you stand for at work. Considering the additional challenges women face due to gender bias, you need to be strategic about how to champion your achievements.

Here is a three-pronged approach to strategically position yourself for top-of-mind recognition / promotion without engaging in the popularity contest:

1. Strategic Visibility Plan

2. Obsess Over Your Professional Development

3. Assertive Communication

1: Strategic Visibility Plan

Develop a strategic visibility plan. Utilize team meetings, newsletters, or platforms to showcase your achievements. Ensure your contributions are recognized by maintaining a visible presence.

For example, once you have completed a challenging project, think about all the lessons learned and processes created. Is there a better way to go about it the next time a similar project comes along? If so, would it be helpful to have a blueprint you can create for reference or a crash course you can run to teach others?

This is part of the process to cement yourself as an expert in the field, the go-to person as a subject matter expert.

2: Obsess Over Your Professional Development

Often, the feedback received for not being ready for promotion is (deliberately?) vague -

Need to exhibit executive presence

Need to demonstrate more strategic leadership

Need more exposure in change management

Overcome the soggy nature this feedback through concrete, visible actions you can take through professional development. Work with your manager to align on specific development opportunties that you can be part of so you are ready for the next promotion cycle. These could include training, classes and coaching.

Be diligent in finding development opportunities at work. If none exists, research external ad hoc opportunities you can tap into to get that training and exposure. Once you are aligned on a concrete development plan with your company, advocate for resources to execute the plan.

For example, negotiate with your employer to hire a Leadership Coach for you to develop your executive presence or people management. We will cover self-advocating (negotiating) for your own development fund on a future thought piece.

3: Assertive Communication

Be firm in owning your narrative and emphasize your accomplishments. Don't downplay your successes. Practice assertive communication. During reviews or discussions, confidently discuss your contributions. Use specific examples to showcase your results, focusing on the impact you delivered.

Women tend to use "softer" phrases such as "it is luck" or "everyone's effort." Consider the language you use to describe your work and figure out if there is a more powerful way to convey these accomplishments. Do not dilute your own hard work and competence. Then write it down and repeat that as your personal affirmation until you feel comfortable saying it.

Remember, as a woman, your journey may present unique challenges. Embrace your resilience, celebrate your achievements, and continue advocating for the recognition you deserve.