When you’re eyeing that next step up the career ladder, it’s easy to focus on impressing the boss—nailing your projects, hitting deadlines, and showcasing your skills. However, a growing body of research suggests that your colleagues might hold just as much sway over your promotion prospects. Beyond your individual performance, the relationships you build with peers can quietly shape how you’re perceived and whether you climb the ranks.
A recent study from the University of Zurich digs into this dynamic, revealing that feedback from coworkers often carries significant weight in promotion decisions. Managers don’t just evaluate your output in a vacuum—they lean on insights from the people you work alongside every day. Are you a team player? Do you lift others up or drag them down? These impressions, shared formally in reviews or casually over coffee, can tip the scales when leadership decides who’s ready for more responsibility.
It’s not just about avoiding conflict, either. The study found that colleagues who see you as collaborative and supportive are more likely to vouch for your leadership potential. Think of it like a hidden endorsement: when your peers rave about your ability to solve problems or rally the group, it signals to higher-ups that you’ve got the soft skills to manage a team. On the flip side, if you’re the type to hoard credit or dodge teamwork, that reputation could stall your ascent—no matter how stellar your numbers look.
This peer influence isn’t a one-way street. Your coworkers’ own performance can reflect on you, too. If you’re part of a high-functioning team that consistently delivers, you’re more likely to shine by association. But if your group struggles—say, due to poor communication or missed goals—it can cast doubt on your readiness to lead, even if you’re not the weak link. The takeaway? Investing in your team’s success isn’t just noble—it’s strategic.
So, how do you harness this? Start by building genuine connections. Offer help on a tricky project, share praise publicly, or simply listen when a colleague vents. Small gestures compound over time, shaping how you’re seen when promotion talks roll around. It’s not about schmoozing—it’s about proving you’re the kind of person others want to follow.
The old advice of “keep your head down and work hard” still matters, but it’s only half the equation. Your colleagues aren’t just bystanders; they’re key players in your career story. Ignore them at your peril—or better yet, make them your allies.