In a recent call with an aspiring senior manager, I asked him how he was doing. He said he felt good about his performance the last couple of years and was looking forward to being promoted. As usual, I asked him if he had spoken to his supervisor about his interest. There was a pause and then he admitted that he hadn’t had that conversation with anyone. He assumed that his performance would be enough to convince the decision makers to promote him.

This is a very common (and false) assumption that people make all the time. We had a good conversation about how important it would be to position himself to be considered for his aspiration—promotion. He should be more involved in the whole process rather than leaving his aspirations to others.

There are some effective ways to position yourself. None of them is a silver bullet that will guarantee your aspiration. But collectively, they get the attention of your decision makers. Breaking through your assumption that they will just see how good you are is a mistake made by too many disappointed aspirants. Here are few ideas to consider.

1. Let your intentions be known. Don’t assume your leaders know your aspirations. You have to tell them. If you don’t tell them clearly, they will make their own assumptions that you are fine where you are—a good, dependable worker who makes their lives easier.
2. DO NOT ask for feedback. You probably won’t get the frank input that you are looking for. If you do get honest feedback, it will likely be comments about your work, not information about what they are looking for to promote you.
3. Identify the gaps. Instead of feedback, ask them about any gaps they see in you and your performance. Since you haven’t achieved your aspiration yet, they know what you lack. You are more likely to get good information about what they are looking for but aren’t seeing. This is the information you need, especially when their perceptions differ from yours.
4. Commit to your supervisor that you intend to fill those gaps in order to be considered for whatever your aspiration is. Ask them for help and guidance. Continue the conversation over the weeks and months. Keep your aspiration in the forefront.

Firms today need solid leadership talent. If you aspire to be in a leadership position, you have to tell them. Otherwise, you leave your career aspirations to unpredictable chance and unfounded hope.