Three Signs You’re Ready for Promotion — Even If You Don’t Feel Ready
Posted on May 20, 2025 by Karsten Alva-Jorgensen, One of Thousands of Executive Coaches on Noomii.
I provide three certain signs you are ready to go for that promotion based on my three decades experience as a corporate leader and executive.
You’ve been working hard. You’ve built credibility. You’ve delivered results. So why does the idea of putting yourself forward for a promotion still feel… uncomfortable?
If you’ve found yourself hesitating — not because of your track record, but because of self-doubt — you’re not alone. Many high-performing professionals wrestle with impostor feelings, especially when facing visibility, bigger stakes, or expanded leadership.
Here’s the truth: You might be far more ready than you think.
Sign #1: Others Already See You as a Leader
Do colleagues or senior leaders seek your input, invite you into higher-level conversations, or rely on you to mentor others? That’s a strong sign of leadership presence — even if you don’t have the title yet.
Often, others recognize our readiness before we’re willing to claim it. Don’t dismiss this as “they’re just being nice” or “I’m lucky to be included.” These are signals that your next level may already be calling.
Sign #2: You’ve Outgrown Your Current Role
If your day-to-day feels like you’re operating on autopilot — or you find yourself bored, restless, or itching for more challenge — that’s not a sign of complacency. It’s a signal of readiness.
Growth-oriented professionals often hesitate to pursue more because they feel like they “haven’t mastered it all yet.” But mastery is not a prerequisite for advancement. Capacity and curiosity are.
Waiting to feel 100% ready often means staying 12–18 months longer than necessary in a role you’ve already outgrown.
Sign #3: You’re Playing Smaller Than You Know You Could
Do you stay quiet in meetings, delay applying for visible opportunities, or downplay your ambition — even though something inside you wants more?
If you’re holding back, it’s not because you’re unqualified. It’s likely because impostor syndrome has convinced you that confidence must come first.
But here’s the shift: leadership isn’t about having no self-doubt — it’s about learning to lead despite it.
The Real Block Isn’t Readiness — It’s Impostor Syndrome
You’re not underqualified. You’re over-credited… and under-claimed.
Impostor syndrome often shows up during times of growth. That doesn’t mean you’re not ready. It means you’re human — and you care.
The danger is not in aiming too high. It’s in sidelining your own potential because you think you have to feel bulletproof first. You don’t !
Final Thoughts
If you’re waiting for a sign that you’re ready — this might be it.
Sometimes, the next level of your leadership isn’t about learning more. It’s about owning what you already know, stepping into new territory, and allowing yourself to be seen.
Because when bright, capable people play small — everyone loses.
My clients regularly experience a significant improvement in just 7 sessions by following my proven process. I would love the same for you.
