Strong performance is not what moves you from engineering manager to director—it’s what keeps you right where you are. Inside every level are three distinct phases, and you are likely running the wrong one. Discover how to calibrate your 1:1 conversations and unlock your next career move.
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189: Accelerate Promotion by Avoiding a Common Phase 2 Trap
In this episode, I dive into the challenges of performance reviews and how to shift your approach to accelerate your next promotion.
I share a story about Daniel, an engineering leader who felt stuck in his career, frustrated by seeing his peers get promoted while he remained in the same role. The key insight? It’s not about constantly asking what gaps you need to close—it’s about demonstrating that you’re already performing at the next level.
By shifting the conversation with leadership from “what’s missing” to “what more can I contribute at the next level,” Daniel unlocked new growth in his career. I’ll walk you through how to make this same shift.
So press play and let’s chat… it’s time to elevate your promotion strategy!

