The Step-By-Step Plan

Here's the step-by-step plan if you want it for your notes:

Find A Good Team

• Engineering manager has a track record getting engineers promoted
• Teammates 1 level above you to learn from
• Teammates more junior than you to lead
• Team isn’t overloaded with engineers at your level
• Team isn’t overloaded with engineers at next level

To learn about finding a quality engineering manager: [Masterclass] What Software Engineers Should Look For In Their Engineering Manager

Establish Yourself As A High Performer

• Build a strong, honest relationship with your engineering manager
• Identify core peers and add value to them to make them like you
• Develop a consistent track record shipping with velocity and quality
• Look for opportunities to expand scope of assigned projects
• Be creative and brainstorm new project ideas

To learn how to build trust quickly: [Course] Effective Communication For Engineers

Clarify Expectations And Gaps

• Write a promotion plan with as much clarity as possible
• Have that honest, deliberate conversation with your manager
• Observe engineers at the next level to understand the delta
• Break down your weaknesses across engineering axes
• Don’t get jealous of more senior peers

Execute And Grow

• Make sure to check in on and maintain your expectations plan
• Publicly document and share your wins
• Go through your gaps 1 by 1 and patch them up
• Be hungry for feedback and learn from mistakes
• Amp it up in the final quarter before review

To learn how to get constructive feedback: This Is How You Get Feedback - Making The Process Smooth

Go Through Performance Review

• Thoroughly go through your promotion plan and make sure it’s all addressed
• Compile artifacts from your brag journal, launch posts, and other sources
• Link as much evidence as you possibly can
• Request targeted feedback from core peers
• Share self-review with manager beforehand