What if I told you that your career success isn't really in your hands?
Shocking, right? But here's the uncomfortable truth: 80% of your career growth is determined by your direct manager. Not your performance. Not your dedication. Not even your skills.
Your manager.
In this eye-opening episode of The Self Aware Leader Podcast, I sit down with Nate Dinet, the brilliant mind behind The Step Manager, who's spent over 15 years studying this exact phenomenon—and more importantly, figuring out how to beat the system.
The Problem We're All Facing
You know that sinking feeling when you watch less qualified colleagues get promoted while you're stuck in the same role? Or when your hard work goes unnoticed because your manager is too busy, untrained, or simply disengaged?
You're not imagining it. Most managers receive zero training on how to develop talent, recognize achievements, or advocate for their team members. They're winging it—and your career is paying the price.
The Solution That Changes Everything
Nate reveals his game-changing CARA Method—a strategic framework that puts you back in the driver's seat:
✅ Current Activities - Document your daily impact
✅ Responsibilities - Map your growing influence
✅ Above & Beyond - Showcase your exceptional value
But this isn't just about tracking your work. It's about building an internal campaign for your own promotion—treating your career like the strategic operation it should be.
What You'll Discover:
The Manager Compass: How to decode your manager's motivations and work with them, not against them
The 80% Rule: Why traditional career advice fails most people
Managing Up Mastery: How to lead from any position
The Promotion Blueprint: A systematic approach to getting recognized and rewarded
The Bottom Line
Your career isn't a ladder you climb passively—it's a campaign you run strategically. Stop waiting for someone else to notice your potential. Stop hoping for the best.
Start taking control.
🌐 Learn more about The Step Manager methodology at [thestepmanager.com]
📅 Want to dive deeper? Book a 1-on-1 strategy session with Nate Dinet
What's your biggest career frustration right now? Hit reply and let me know—I read every message and often feature your questions in future episodes.
Keep leading,
Jason
Share this post