Why Hard Workers Never Get Promoted & The 3-Step Fix — Nate Dinet on Career Growth
A Quick Breakdown of This Must-Hear Episode
If you’ve ever felt like you’re working hard, doing everything right — yet still being passed over for promotion — this episode of The Self Aware Leader Podcast may shine a light on what’s really going on. In this episode, host Jason Rigby talks with Nate Dinet, founder & CEO of The Step Manager, about why hard work alone often isn’t enough — and what actually does lead to career advancement.
🎧 Listen here:
🔍 Why This Episode Matters
Too many of us believe that promotion rewards hard work. But Nate explains that often, 70–80% of your career growth depends on your manager’s support and visibility of your impact.
He shares a simple but powerful framework — the CARA Method (Current Activities, Responsibilities, and Above-and-Beyond) — which helps you document your wins, show your value, and build a case for promotion.
The episode also covers how to build effective relationships with managers, manage up even if your manager isn’t supportive, and run an internal “promotion campaign” to get the recognition and raise you deserve.
If you’ve been quietly grinding away, hoping your work “speaks for itself,” Nate offers a wake-up call — and a better way forward.
💡 Big Takeaways
Hard work isn’t enough without visibility. Track results, outcomes, and value — not just hours worked.
Use the CARA Method to document your impact. Track activities, responsibilities, and above-and-beyond contributions.
Build a case — don’t wait for one. Promote yourself internally: make your accomplishments known to decision-makers.
Your manager influences your growth — learn to manage up. Even if your manager isn’t proactive, you can take initiative.
Treat your career like a campaign. Strategy, planning, and consistent visibility matter more than “hustle.”
🎯 Who Should Listen
This episode is especially powerful if you:
Are working hard but still feel overlooked for raises or promotions
Want to understand why merit alone often doesn’t get rewarded
Are ready to take ownership of your career growth
Need tools to articulate your value and negotiate advancement confidently
If you’re tired of being stuck on the same rung despite doing the work — it’s time to listen.
🎧 Final Thought
Working hard is admirable — but without strategy, visibility, and advocacy, it rarely leads to growth. Nate Dinet shows you how to take control: document your wins, build relationships, and run your career like the important project it is.
