The Fastest Way To Career Growth? STOP PLAYING FAIR.
Don't wait until you're ready. Master the hidden rules that get you promoted.
Most middle managers work hard, follow the rules, and expect their effort to be recognized.
But the truth?
Success isn’t about how hard you work—it’s about how you position yourself.
If you’ve been grinding away, waiting for your big break, and watching others get ahead while you stay stuck, it’s time to see what’s really happening.
Let’s break it down.
1️⃣ Hard Work Alone Won’t Save You—Strategic Positioning Will.
You’ve seen it before.
The most skilled person in the room often isn’t the one getting the promotion. Instead, it’s the one who builds visibility, influences key decisions and controls how they’re perceived.
Hard work is table stakes. If it were enough, the most hardworking people would always be at the top—and they’re not.
The real players don’t just do the work; they make sure the right people know about it. They shape how others see them. They control the narrative.
If you’re not doing that, someone else is.
And they’re the ones getting ahead.
🔄 Mindset Shift: “It’s not about how hard I work—it’s about who knows about my work.”
✅ How to Do It:
Identify the right audience. Who in your company influences promotions? Get on their radar.
Speak up in meetings. Share insights, ask thoughtful questions, and offer solutions.
Control your narrative. Regularly update your manager on your wins—don’t assume they already know.
Get visible. Volunteer for cross-functional projects where influential people will see your contributions.
2️⃣ If You Follow the Rules, You’ll Stay Stuck.
Workplace rules aren’t designed to help you move up. They exist to keep things running smoothly.
And that’s a problem.
Because if you play strictly by the book, you’ll blend in. You’ll wait your turn. And in a world where opportunities don’t come with an invitation, waiting is a losing game.
The fastest movers don’t ask, “What am I allowed to do?”
They ask, “What’s stopping me from doing what I need to do?”
They find the loopholes, challenge outdated norms, and create leverage where none exists.
If you want to break out of the middle, you can’t just follow the playbook.
You have to rewrite it.
🔄 Mindset Shift: “Rules are meant to be understood, but also challenged when they hold me back.”
✅ How to Do It:
Look for unspoken rules. Observe what successful people do (it’s often different from what’s officially stated).
Ask, ‘What’s the actual goal?’ If a rule slows things down without adding value, find a way around it.
Build allies. People who challenge norms alone get labeled as troublemakers. Those who do it with support become leaders.
Take calculated risks. Instead of asking for permission, present a solution and act confidently.
3️⃣ Being Liked Won’t Get You Promoted—Being Respected Will.
Ever notice how the most respected leaders aren’t always the most liked ones?
That’s because leadership isn’t about keeping everyone happy. It’s about making the right calls—even when they’re unpopular.
Too many middle managers fall into the trap of trying to be everyone’s friend. They avoid conflict, smooth over tension, and focus on likability.
But here’s the kicker:
The people making promotion decisions aren’t looking for peacemakers. They’re looking for leaders.
Leaders who can make tough choices. Stand their ground. Earn respect, not just approval.
Want to move up? Stop worrying about being liked.
Start focusing on being trusted to make the hard calls.
🔄 Mindset Shift: “I’d rather be respected for making bold decisions than liked for playing it safe.”
✅ How to Do It:
Make tough calls. Don’t shy away from difficult decisions—explain your reasoning and stand by them.
Speak with authority. Drop weak language like “I think” or “Maybe we should.” Say, “Here’s what we need to do.”
Set boundaries. Don’t say yes to everything. Prioritize what moves the needle.
Hold people accountable. Being firm doesn’t make you mean—it makes you a leader.
4️⃣ Playing It Safe Is the Riskiest Career Move.
You might think staying in your lane, waiting for permission, and only taking on projects you’re 100% ready for is the safe bet.
It’s not.
It’s actually the biggest risk of all.
Because while you’re waiting to feel “ready,” someone else is stepping up. Raising their hand. Taking on the challenge before they have all the answers.
And when leadership sees them?
They don’t see someone reckless.
They see someone willing to grow into the role.
No one is going to tap you on the shoulder and tell you it’s time.
You have to take the leap before you’re fully prepared.
That’s how the biggest career jumps happen.
🔄 Mindset Shift: “If I wait until I’m ready, I’ll never take the leap.”
✅ How to Do It:
Say yes before you’re 100% ready. If an opportunity feels just beyond your skill level, take it anyway.
Reframe fear as a growth signal. Feeling nervous? That means you’re stretching yourself. Lean in.
Ask for forgiveness, not permission. High performers take action and adjust along the way.
Take one small risk each week. Speak up in a high-level meeting, pitch an idea, or ask for a bigger project.
5️⃣ Corporate Politics Isn’t Evil—It’s a Skill You Need to Master.
You can hate office politics all you want.
But here’s the reality:
Avoiding it won’t make it go away. It’ll just make you irrelevant.
Because the people who move up? They aren’t just good at their jobs.
They’re good at navigating power, perception, and influence.
They understand who really calls the shots (it’s not always the org chart).
They know how to position themselves in key conversations.
And they make sure their name comes up when big opportunities are on the table.
If you’re ignoring office politics, you’re playing the game with a blindfold on.
The sooner you learn to read the room, manage perception, and build strategic relationships, the faster you’ll rise.
🔄 Mindset Shift: “Office politics isn’t dirty—it’s how influence works.”
✅ How to Do It:
Map the real power players. Who actually makes decisions? Who influences them? Build relationships strategically.
Observe how information flows. Who gets looped in first? Who shapes discussions? Get into those circles.
Position yourself as a problem-solver. The easiest way to gain influence is to help key people succeed.
Learn to advocate for yourself. If you’re not shaping the narrative about your work, someone else is.
The Bottom Line
If you’ve been working hard, following the rules, and hoping your effort speaks for itself…
It’s time to shift your approach.
Position yourself. Break the unspoken rules. Earn respect, not just approval. Take smart risks. Learn to navigate power.
Because in the real world, success isn’t handed to the most deserving.
It’s claimed by those who know how the game is played.
And now, you do.
Your move.
See you next Tuesday at 10 AM IST.
Vijaya
Question - What’s one thing you’ll do to “move the needle” this week? Share in the comments 👇
📌 PS - If you found this post helpful, please restack and share it with your audience ❤️
This spreads the word and keeps me writing content that helps you grow and thrive in your career.
I never belonged in Corporate - because I was a 'rule follower'. Still am to some degree. I found it hard in my earlier years to break or challenge any rules. It wasn't until I felt more sure of my skills and abilities that I started asking questions that challenged - and that move got me fired. Ha! Life is funny, ain't it?
Great insight. We are brought up to wait to be noticed and it doesn't work in corporate. You have to advocate for yourself and ask for what you want. And that means knowing what you want in the first place.