How do you find the big stumbling blocks to your promotion and address them quickly (real or perceived)?

Go find who you think might be the most influential individual in your promotion (especially if they are unsupportive of you) and turn them into a mentor. Get their advice. Act on their suggestions. Make yourself better. Follow-up. Turn them into an advocate for your advancement (and maybe make a good friend in the process).

Even if you don’t get promoted after all that work, you’ll grow and probably gain an advocate that will be rooting for you (mentors love to see our mentees succeed).

As a bonus, this also works for employees you’re trying to advance, not just you.

(Of course, a great manager is also a huge asset in your promotion – they should be guiding you to address any growth areas. But remember that they likely don’t have total control over the process and often don’t see every aspect of your work.)

Good luck!

-Gary