Read Your Manager's Answer

When you ask what would put you in front of senior leadership, the reply tells you a lot. A good manager names specific projects, owners, and timelines you can act on this quarter.

If your manager cannot articulate what it takes to get promoted, that is a red flag about the organization, not about your readiness. Vague answers mean the criteria live in someone's head, where your evidence can't reach them.

When that happens, push for specifics in writing, or build your case toward the skip-level whose digest you already send.