How advancement actually works.
WHAT LEVELS TYPICALLY REFLECT
- Scope: how large a problem you handle independently
- Independence: how much direction you need
- Impact: how far your effect reaches
WHAT DISTINGUISHES A JUNIOR FROM A MID-LEVEL PRACTITIONER
Completing defined tasks reliably, without close supervision.
WHAT DISTINGUISHES SENIOR
Taking an ambiguous problem and producing a solution Improving how the team works Being relied upon
WHAT DISTINGUISHES BEYOND THAT
Effect across teams Judgement others defer to Developing other people
WHY TECHNICAL SKILL ALONE STOPS WORKING
Beyond a point, advancement depends on influence and judgement.
WHAT TO DO TO PROGRESS
Understand your organisation's actual criteria Seek work at the next level Make your contribution visible Develop the non-technical skills
WHY VISIBILITY MATTERS
Work nobody knows about does not count, however good.
HOW TO MAKE IT VISIBLE WITHOUT BOASTING
Write things down Present what you did Credit others genuinely
WHAT TO ASK YOUR MANAGER
What specifically would demonstrate readiness.
WHAT TO DO WITH THE ANSWER
Do those things, and check back.
WHAT TO AVOID
Waiting to be noticed Assuming time served produces promotion
WHAT TO ACCEPT
That some organisations have no path.
WHAT TO DO THEN
Move.
