Navigating Career Advancement: Understanding Formal and Informal Paths to Promotion
- Flo LaBrado
- Jun 8
- 4 min read
Career advancement often feels like a puzzle. Many professionals believe that excelling at their job is enough to climb the ladder. Yet, the reality is more complex. A recent study published in the Academy of Management by Elena Doldor and colleagues (2026) reveals that there are two main paths to promotion in organizations: the formal and the informal. Understanding both can make a big difference in your career growth.
The Two Paths to Promotion
The study highlights two distinct routes people take to get promoted. The first is formal. This path is clear and structured. It includes performance reviews, leadership competencies, and business results. Organizations often have set processes for evaluating employees based on these factors.
The second path is informal. This one is less visible but just as important. It involves sponsorship, visibility, relationships, influence, and being supported by people in leadership roles. These elements often happen behind the scenes and can be harder to track.
Formal Path: What It Looks Like
The formal path is what most people expect. It focuses on measurable achievements. For example:
Meeting or exceeding performance goals
Demonstrating leadership skills
Delivering strong business results
Participating in official promotion processes
This path is transparent and usually documented. Employees receive feedback through reviews and know what is expected to move up.
Informal Path: The Hidden Side
The informal path is about connections and influence. It includes:
Having a sponsor who advocates for you
Being visible in important meetings or projects
Building strong relationships with key decision-makers
Gaining influence in informal networks
This path is less obvious but can be crucial. Many people with strong performance miss out on promotions because they lack access to these informal networks.
Four Patterns in Promotion Pursuits
The study also identified four common patterns among people trying to get promoted:
Relying on performance alone
Some believe that doing great work is enough. They focus only on formal reviews and results.
Resisting informal dynamics
Others see the informal side but choose not to engage with it. They may feel uncomfortable or distrustful of these unwritten rules.
Trying to manage both paths without guidance
Many try to balance formal and informal efforts but lack clear advice on how to do it effectively.
Having influential sponsors
A smaller group benefits from sponsors who coach and advocate for them privately. These sponsors open doors and create opportunities.
Understanding which pattern fits you can help you adjust your approach to career growth.
Why Access and Relationships Matter More Than Capability
The study’s key insight is that access and relationships often matter more than capability alone. You can be highly skilled and deliver excellent results, but without the right connections, your chances of promotion may be limited.
This does not mean performance is unimportant. Instead, it means that building relationships and gaining visibility are equally critical. Leaders tend to promote people they know, trust, and see regularly.
Tips for Career Development
Navigating both formal and informal paths requires strategy. Here are some practical tips to help you advance your career:
Build Relationships Proactively
Don’t wait for others to come to you. Reach out to colleagues, leaders, and peers. Attend meetings, join projects, and participate in company events. Building a network takes time but pays off.
Seek Mentors and Sponsors
Mentors provide advice and guidance. Sponsors go a step further by advocating for you in decision-making rooms. Look for people who believe in your potential and can support your growth.
Understand Both Promotion Processes
Learn how your organization handles promotions formally. Know the criteria and timelines. At the same time, observe the informal side. Notice who influences decisions and how people gain visibility.
Observe Visibility Patterns in Leadership Discussions
Pay attention to who speaks up in meetings and who leaders mention positively. Try to contribute meaningfully in these spaces. Being seen and heard can increase your chances of being noticed.
Encourage Leaders to Sponsor Talent
If you are in a leadership role, actively sponsor promising employees. Help them navigate the informal networks and advocate for their advancement. This creates a stronger, more inclusive workplace.
How to Get Support in Your Career Journey
Sometimes, navigating these paths can feel overwhelming. Getting personalized advice can make a big difference. For example, a free consultation call with a leadership coach can help you clarify your goals and develop a plan. Services like the Consult - Online or Phone offer a chance to discuss your career path and get tailored support.
This kind of guidance can help you understand both formal and informal promotion dynamics and build the right strategies to succeed.
Final Thoughts
Career advancement is not just about what you do but also who knows you and supports you. The formal path of performance reviews and results is important, but the informal path of relationships and sponsorship often makes the difference.
By building strong connections, seeking mentors and sponsors, and understanding how promotions really work, you can take control of your career growth. Remember, success comes from both capability and access. Use both to open doors and move forward.
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