Episode 73 Navigating the Unwritten Rules of Leadership To Get Ahead in Your Career
Have you ever felt like you're doing everything right in your leadership role - delivering results, working hard, supporting your team - yet still being overlooked for promotion?
In this episode, Sarah lifts the lid on the unwritten rules of leadership that shape career progression at senior levels. Many ambitious female leaders are told that hard work and strong performance will naturally lead to advancement but in reality, leadership decisions are often influenced by visibility, relationships, strategic thinking, and perception.
Through a powerful coaching story and practical reflection questions, this episode explores why brilliant women sometimes get passed over and, more importantly, what they can do differently to position themselves for the leadership roles they deserve.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- Why working hard isn’t always enough to get promoted
- The hidden leadership dynamics many organisations don’t talk about
- The 4 unwritten rules that shape career advancement
- How visibility, relationships, and perception influence leadership decisions
- Practical actions you can take this week to position yourself for your next role
Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome to Unstuck & Unstoppable
01:00 – Episode introduction: The leadership rules nobody talks about
02:00 – Coaching story: “It feels like there’s a game being played and nobody told me the rules”
A real-life example of a senior female leader being overlooked for promotion.
03:30 – The myth of hard work leading to promotion
Why performance alone doesn’t guarantee career advancement.
05:00 – Leadership advancement is about more than delivery
Understanding the gap between doing a great job and being seen as ready for senior leadership.
The 4 Unwritten Rules of Leadership
05:45 – Rule 1: Visibility matters more than effort
Why leaders can’t promote what they can’t see and how to create strategic visibility.
Reflection question: Where might you be working hard but staying invisible?
08:00 – Rule 2: Relationships shape opportunities
The importance of networks, sponsors, and trust in career progression.
Reflection question: Who are the key people who need to know and trust you?
10:00 – Rule 3: Strategic thinking gets rewarded
Moving from operational excellence to future-focused leadership thinking.
Reflection question: Are you spending most of your time delivering or thinking about the future?
11:45 – Rule 4: Perception drives promotion
How executive presence and leadership perception influence decisions.
Reflection question: How do senior leaders currently perceive you?
13:00 – One practical action to take this week
Choose one conversation with a senior leader to increase visibility, influence, or strategic contribution.
14:00 – Key takeaway: Understand the system and position yourself within it
Visibility, relationships, strategic thinking, and perception are the keys to leadership advancement.
14:30 – How to get support and access free resources
Information on coaching support and additional resources.
Useful Links
Episode 66 Strengthening Your Strategic Thinking
Episode 31 How to Develop Executive Presence
Sign up for Weekly Career Inspiration
Learn about Leadership & Advancement Coaching Programmes
Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn
Rate & Review the Podcast
If you found this episode of Unstuck & Unstoppable helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
If you're kind enough to leave a review, please do let Sarah know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: sarah@careertreecoaching.co.uk
Shine brightly. Lead boldly. Be unstoppable.
