Let's eavesdrop on a conversation between your employee and C.A.R.L., the Cohesive Artificial Response Leader.

Hey C.A.R.L., why am I not getting promoted? I’m showing up, doing my job...

If you feel overlooked for promotion, it might be helpful to assess whether you are actively participating in your own growth plan and seeking opportunities to contribute beyond your immediate responsibilities.

So what am I supposed to do? Wait for my manager to finally notice me?

The book suggests that instead of waiting for your manager to notice you, you should take proactive steps to stand out and make a positive impact.

Over 56% of today’s workforce has become increasingly dissatisfied with the lack of training and development offered by their employer. Many of these same people are being passed over for promotion with no plan for success.

Employees are ready to take control of their careers. They don’t want to settle for a job where they feel unappreciated, devalued, or stuck.

Too many employees feel like they’re stuck in career quicksand - trying to move forward, but without the support to actually go anywhere. This is when leaders can step it up and Advance Individuals.

According to Gallup, only 30% of employees strongly agree they’ve had opportunities to grow at work in the last five years. That’s an organizational red flag.

C.A.R.L., the Cohesive Artificial Response Leader, was specifically created to provide solutions to real-time leadership issues and concerns for leaders, or answer questions about growth, development, and advancement for working individuals.

Earlier, you got a sneak peek at C.A.R.L.’s insights. Now, let’s look at the full responses including what’s really holding employees back from promotion and what steps they can take to move forward. Help them and you’ll be one step closer to Advancing Individuals.

Employee Asks CARL: Why am I not getting promoted?

"I understand your concern about not getting promoted despite showing up and doing your job. According to the principles outlined in the Cohesion Culture™ framework, it's important to adopt a growth mindset and focus on personal development. This involves being proactive in seeking growth, development, and advancement opportunities.

Dr. Troy and Ben-Jamin Toy emphasize the importance of cultivating a growth mindset, which is a planned event and not something that happens by accident. They suggest focusing on your strengths and engaging in meaningful work that contributes to the bigger picture. Additionally, they highlight the significance of mutual commitment and collaboration with your team, which can enhance your value and inclusion within the organization.

If you feel overlooked for promotion, it might be helpful to assess whether you are actively participating in your own growth plan and seeking opportunities to contribute beyond your immediate responsibilities. Engaging with your supervisor to understand how you can support organizational and personal goals can also be beneficial."

Employee Asks CARL: So what am I supposed to do? Wait for my manager to finally notice me?

"The book [Becoming a Cohesive Leader] suggests that instead of waiting for your manager to notice you, you should take proactive steps to stand out and make a positive impact. Here are some strategies from the book:

1. Be the Positive Energy: Engage actively in your work environment. Don't wait for others to take the lead; instead, speak up, volunteer, and contribute to discussions.
2. Read the Room: Be aware of the dynamics in your workplace. Observe productivity levels, body language, and communication patterns to offer valuable insights and encouragement.
3. Have a Clear Vision: Understand your role and how it fits into the bigger picture of the organization. Avoid silo thinking and focus on the needs of the entire organization.
4. Communicate Effectively: Share your ideas and updates with your manager in a timely manner. Avoid surprises by socializing topics before decisions are needed.
5. Think Like a Leader: Embrace change and propose innovative ideas. Participate in system and process reviews to identify improvement opportunities.

By taking these actions, you can position yourself as a proactive and valuable team member, which can help you get noticed by your manager and advance in your career."

Seek more insight.

Employee Asks CARL: What steps can I take to advance my career?

"To advance your career, the book suggests adopting a growth mindset as a key step. This involves focusing on your strengths rather than weaknesses and being proactive in your personal development. Here are some specific steps you can take:

1. Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Recognize that growth is a planned event and not something that happens by accident. Be proactive in your personal development and focus on improving your leadership acumen and work proficiency.
2. Engage in Meaningful Work: Understand the value of your work and how it contributes to the bigger picture. This involves seeing the whole process of your work, from start to finish, and understanding your role in it.
3. Participate in a Community: Join a community of like-minded individuals who are also seeking positive leadership results. Engage with this community regularly to enhance your learning and development.
4. Focus on Belonging and Inclusion: Include yourself in your growth plan and help others in their work. This creates a sense of belonging and inclusion, which is crucial for personal and professional growth.
5. Build Mutual Commitment and Trust: Collaborate with others by building trust and mutual commitment. This involves being truthful and reliable in your work and interactions.
6. Be Eager to Learn: Always be open to learning new things and improving your skills. This eagerness to learn is a hallmark of a growth mindset.

By following these steps, you can create a strategic plan that moves you closer to the career you desire. Remember, you don't have to know everything; you just need to be teachable."

Growth doesn't reward perfection. It rewards progress.

The individuals who move forward are the ones who lean into learning, embrace feedback, and show they're willing to evolve.

Case in point: The above mentioned recent Gallup study that found that only 30% of employees strongly agree they've had opportunities at work to learn and grow in the last five years.

Let that sink in.

Five years - half a decade - and 70% of people felt stuck, stagnant, or sidelined. That's not just a retention problem, it's a disengagement epidemic.

But here’s the good news: In companies that prioritize development, 60% of employees strongly agree that development is available. That number doubled. Not only are employees more likely to stay, but they’re also more likely to perform, promote, and pour into others. The ripple effect of one individual’s growth positively increases performance and engagement across teams. Investing in personal development raises the tide for everyone.

And that’s where Cohesion Culture™ comes in.

Infusing cohesion in a work culture is built on three strategic elements: Belonging, Value, and Mutual Commitment. When people are empowered to grow, they begin to see how they matter.

They’re not just clocking in. They’re bought in.

That shift creates a multiplying impact across your organization: stronger collaboration, deeper trust, and higher retention. People stay when they feel they matter.

But here's the truth - you can't leave development to chance or cram it into an annual review.

If you want to retain top talent and see them thrive, development must be embedded into the culture. Use tools like C.A.R.L., encourage your employees to foster a growth mindset, and create communities where people are challenged and supported.

Advancement isn’t artificial. It’s intentional. And it starts with leadership that Advances Individuals.

Click here to try out our AI-powered book bot and Ask C.A.R.L. your most pressing leadership questions. He’s ready to stimulate your thinking and provide insights that help you lead with confidence.

Click here to subscribe to Cohesion Corner™ with Dr. Troy so you never miss a newsletter.

To learn more, click here to purchase your very own copy of my new book Becoming a Cohesive Leader: The POWERup Guide to Grow, Develop, and Advance Your Career.

For more insight on this topic, please refer to these blog posts:

• How to Handle Toxicity in the Workplace According to C.A.R.L.
• AI as Your Thinking Partner
• UH-OH and AI
• Putting AI to Good Use

Interested in reading more from Dr. Troy Hall? Check out my books available for purchase on Amazon.