Gather Your Advocates

Identify three to five colleagues on different teams who have seen your impact up close. In a promotion review, one outside voice can beat ten compliments from your own team because it proves your reputation travels past your manager's desk. Choose voices with credibility.

Recruiting them is simple: "If my manager reaches out, would you share how our work went?" Most people say yes. Then make it easy with a two-line reminder of the project, so they can speak to specifics if asked. Specifics make the favor easy.