If you are ambitious, driven and want to be able to lead at high levels within your organization, you want to ensure that you are in a position where upward mobility is possible. But how can you tell if this will ever happen? There is the option to continue to work hard and do the best with the role you currently have and hope someone notices the effort you put in or you can proactively look for signs that clearly indicate that your senior management see value in you and plan to help you reach your career goals.

Some obvious signs to look out for are regular meetings or check-ins with your superiors where there is some focus on what may be next for you within the organization. You are encouraged to participate in management assessment and development programs that help develop your leadership skills. Your annual performance appraisals are full of recognition of the awesome work you do as well as specific areas for growth and development and more importantly, you get first dibs at new projects that bring attention to the work your department does within the company.

If none of these apply, have a frank conversation with your supervisor and express your desire for growth and direction on how to make it happen for you. If you sense it will never happen, start working on your exit strategy. You deserve the very best this life has to offer. Best of luck!