Managers promote and protect the people who make their jobs easier. This isn't 'political' or unfair — it's the rational decision pattern of any human. Making your manager's job easier is one of the most reliable strategies for advancement.
What 'easier' actually means
Reliable execution (work delivered on time, at quality). Brief, structured updates (manager doesn't have to ask what's happening). Solutions accompanying problems (don't dump issues without proposals). Discreet — don't put manager in awkward positions with their peers.
What makes managers' lives harder
Drama. Surprises (problems escalated late). Constant questions about how to do basic things. Reputation issues that the manager has to clean up. Politics with peers that manager has to mediate.
Audit honestly: are you making your manager's life easier or harder? Most people overestimate the former. Specific improvements are usually visible within months in better project assignments and visibility.