Promotion Advice: Try to Take My Position

The year was 2018. I was a junior engineer, brimming with ambition but lacking direction. I'd just landed a role at a fast-growing tech company, the kind that regularly sees its projects trending on Hacker News. I was eager to prove myself, to climb the ladder, but I felt like I was just… treading water.

Then, during a one-on-one with my manager, Sarah, I nervously asked her for advice on how to get promoted. Her response, delivered with a calm certainty that still resonates with me, was simple yet profound: "Try to take my position."

The Unconventional Wisdom

At first, her words were confusing. Was she trying to get rid of me? Was this some kind of passive-aggressive threat? It took me a moment to realize she wasn't being adversarial. She was offering a powerful framework for growth.

Shifting the Perspective

Instead of focusing on the next rung on the ladder, Sarah was telling me to aim for the one I was currently observing. This wasn't about dislodging her, but about understanding the responsibilities, challenges, and strategic thinking that came with her role. It was an invitation to elevate my perspective.

Beyond Task Completion

Most junior roles are focused on executing tasks. My previous approach was all about doing my assigned work efficiently. Sarah's advice pushed me to think beyond just completing my current job.

What were the bigger problems she was trying to solve?
What were the strategic decisions she was making?
How did her work impact the wider team and company goals?

It meant actively observing her meetings, asking clarifying questions about her decision-making process, and even volunteering for projects that touched upon her areas of responsibility.

Putting the Advice into Practice

It wasn't an overnight transformation, but that single piece of advice became my north star. I started to:

Proactively identify problems Sarah would likely face and suggest solutions, even if they were outside my immediate scope.
Analyze the 'why' behind decisions instead of just accepting the 'what'.
Develop a deeper understanding of the business and how my work contributed to it.

I remember one instance where a critical feature launch was at risk. Instead of just focusing on my small part, I spent evenings analyzing the dependencies and potential bottlenecks Sarah would be worrying about. I presented her with a concise risk assessment and a proposed mitigation plan, which directly addressed her biggest concerns. This went far beyond my defined responsibilities.

The Ripple Effect

This shift in mindset had a profound impact. I wasn't just seen as a coder anymore; I was becoming a strategic thinker, someone who understood the bigger picture.

My contributions became more valuable.
I started leading initiatives, not just participating in them.
The conversations I had with leadership naturally evolved.

When the time came for a promotion to a more senior role, it felt like a natural progression. I wasn't just asking for more; I was demonstrating that I could already operate at that level.

Take the Leap

So, if you're looking to advance in your career, try to take the position of the person you aspire to be. Don't wait for permission. Don't just focus on doing your current job well. Start thinking, acting, and contributing as if you already hold that next-level role.

It's a challenging path, but it's also the most direct and effective way to prove your readiness for bigger things. It’s advice that can make your career truly trend upwards.