112. Why Hard Work Won't Get You Promoted (5 Strategies That Actually Work)

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You've been working twice as hard as your colleagues, staying late, taking on extra projects, and being the ultimate team player. So why did someone with half your experience just get the promotion you deserved? If this scenario makes your stomach drop, you're not alone, and more importantly, you're about to discover exactly what's been holding you back.

In this episode, you'll discover the five critical areas where promotions are won or lost, and why your excellent performance reviews aren't translating into career advancement. You'll learn specific, actionable strategies to transform from invisible high-performer to promotion-ready leader, including how to build strategic visibility, develop executive presence, and position yourself for opportunities before they're announced.

What you can expect from the episode:

• Why being the "perfect employee" is actually hurting your career advancement
• The 5 areas that actually determine promotion decisions (and why hard work isn't one of them)
• How to build visibility and executive presence without feeling like you're bragging
• Strategic networking techniques that put you in the room where promotions are discussed
• How to break free from busy work and develop the business acumen that separates leaders from individual contributors

This episode is perfect for:

• High-performing women who feel stuck despite excellent work quality
• Ambitious professionals ready to move from execution to strategy
• Anyone who's ever wondered why less qualified colleagues get promoted faster
• Women seeking to develop executive presence and leadership visibility
• Professionals who want to understand the unspoken rules of career advancement

Resources mentioned:

• Episode 109: "How to Get Promoted: The SCOUT Method for Finding Hidden Career Opportunities"

About the host:

Kele Belton is a communication and leadership speaker, facilitator, and coach who specializes in helping women leaders develop confidence and impact through better communication skills.

Connect with Kele for more leadership insights: 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kele-ruth-belton/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetailoredapproach/ 
• Website: https://thetailoredapproach.com