Most people wait for promotions to be offered. The few who explicitly ask their manager 'what would it take to be promoted to the next level' get clearer paths and faster movement. The conversation also signals ambition that managers register.
How to phrase it
'I'd like to understand what it would take for me to be promoted to [next level]. What specific capabilities, projects, or outcomes would put me in serious consideration?' Direct, specific, asking for concrete answer.
What managers usually say
Specific gaps (specific skills, specific deliverables, specific visibility). Sometimes: nothing right now, but here's the trajectory. Sometimes: I'm not the decision-maker, but here's who is and what they'd want.
What to do with the answer
Work on the specific things named. Track progress. Bring evidence in 3-6 months: 'You said X. Here's what I've done on X. What's next?' This conversation, repeated quarterly, dramatically accelerates promotion timelines.