The mindset behind getting promoted
Why some professionals grow and others don’t
Many people want to climb the career ladder, but not everyone succeeds. Why do some professionals stand out and multiply their impact while others, with similar talent, remain stuck?
A common mistake is thinking that professional growth comes from being excellent at executing assigned tasks. But… promotions are not rewards for effort. They are bets on potential. And that potential is shown differently: by building trust, anticipating needs, and solving the problems that matter most to the organization.
This point is crucial. Many professionals still believe their value lies in doing more. They work longer hours, take on more projects, and yet… they don’t grow. Why? True leadership is not measured by productivity. It’s measured by your ability to anticipate, take initiative, and generate outcomes beyond your scope.
So, how can you make it happen? Shift your mindset: stop thinking like an "executor" and start thinking about how to solve the core problems that drive organizational growth. In other words, focus on the actions that have the most impact on business results. That’s the key difference. What separates professionals who rise isn’t how much they do, but what problems they choose to solve—and how they solve them with autonomy and excellence. They become drivers of change within the organization.
Throughout his career, Ethan Evans observed this pattern and turned it into a professional growth method called The Magic Loop. What are its core principles?
Excel at your current job: It may sound obvious, but before asking for more responsibility, make sure your current performance is excellent. Ask your manager: Am I meeting or exceeding expectations?
Help your team: Ask your manager: How can I help? What does the team need? What does the organization need right now? Do it sincerely, without expecting anything in return.
Just do it!: Connect with a motivation beyond the task itself. Don’t complain or blame others. Manage your time well to deliver effectively. This builds credibility.
Map out your growth: Once you’ve earned your team’s trust, plan your next step: How can I keep contributing while moving closer to that next role?
Repeat the cycle: This method is continuous. Each loop puts you in a new starting position.
The Magic Loop is a mindset. A practice you can apply from any role. You don’t need a title to begin. You just need to shift your approach: from execution to anticipation, from following orders to driving transformation. Those who grow in their careers earn trust—and use it not only to rise, but to help others succeed too.
So…are you ready to take the next loop?