The Scope Gap — create the evidence first

This is the one that quietly blocks the most people. You feel ready. But if the panel can't point to work you've already done at the next level, "ready" is just a feeling — and feelings don't get promoted. So we create the evidence, on purpose, before you ask.

1. Act a level up before the title

I did the senior role a grade below for a good six months, so by the time it went to panel it wasn't a punt, it was obvious. Take on a slice of your target role now, quietly, and let it become undeniable.

2. Volunteer for the visible stretch

The scary, next-level project that people can actually see becomes your evidence. Pick one that's above your grade — and make sure the right people watch you deliver it.

3. Get the criteria in writing

Ask your manager, plainly: "What does ready for the next level actually look like here?" Then go collect exactly those things. You can't hit a target nobody's shown you — and "in writing" stops it quietly moving on you later.

4. Don't confuse busy with evidence

It's the level of your core work and your visible skills that count — not the volume of extracurriculars. I drowned myself in side projects thinking it'd get me promoted; it didn't. Depth at the next level beats breadth at your current one.

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