The Ask Gap — nobody promotes a secret

Here's the good news: this is the one you can fix this week. No six-month evidence build, no politics — just a conversation most people are too scared to have. Nobody promotes a secret, so let's stop keeping yours.

1. Say it clearly

Book 20 minutes with the person who actually decides and say what you want, by when — out loud, on the record. That one conversation moves more than a year of quietly hoping someone notices.

2. Agree the criteria

Turn "maybe someday" into a concrete, written list of what earns the step. Now you're both working to the same target, and you've got something to hold them to.

3. Build a 90-day plan

Work backwards from the promotion to what you do this quarter — the experiences, skills and relationships you need. A long-term vision gives short-term motivation; a plan turns the ask into a route.

4. Have an opinion

Early on, the Head of Retail — a man with 40 years' experience — turned to me, a one-year analyst, and asked what I thought. I waffled something and shrank. Never again. Next-level people have a view and back it. If you don't have one yet, go and form one before the meeting.

Want to sense-check the blocker? Take the Stuck Type Diagnostic too, or grab the Corporate Toolkit & Templates.