Why Loyalty Won’t Get You Promoted—Anupam Mittal Reveals 3 Ways to Move Up

Muskaan Kapoor

27 Mar 2025 — 3 min read

Anupam Mittal Shares Best Ways to Get Promoted

Anupam Mittal, founder of Shaadi.com and a popular judge on Shark Tank India, recently shared his thoughts on career growth in a LinkedIn post. He believes promotions are no longer based on tenure or loyalty. Simply staying at a company for years does not guarantee success. Instead, employees must take the right actions to move ahead. He shared three best ways to get promoted in a job.

1. Speed and Agility Matter More Than Experience

Anupam Mittal said that today's market is moving ten times faster than before. Taking months to analyse and plan can leave you behind. Instead of overthinking, he suggests quick decision-making and rapid execution. The ability to adapt fast is the new intelligence.

Today’s business environment is changing quickly. Trends emerge and disappear within months. Those who take too long to study and strategise often miss opportunities. He suggests that professionals should focus on first principles, test their ideas quickly, and keep improving based on results. This approach helps employees stay ahead of the curve and become valuable assets to their companies.

2. Progress Over Movement

Working long hours does not guarantee success. Mittal recalls working 90-hour weeks that led nowhere. He has also seen one well-thought-out project deliver more value than months of effort. Promotions go to those who track their progress every week and ensure real impact, not just movement.

Many professionals mistake being busy for being productive. But promotions are not given for hard work alone; they are earned through meaningful contributions. Employers value employees who measure their progress and improve continuously. Instead of spending time on tasks that do not drive results, professionals should focus on projects that bring real change to the business.

3. Ownership Over Entitlement

Simply showing up at work is not enough. According to Mittal, the workplace is not a school where attendance earns passing marks. Employees must take ownership, make decisions, and push things forward. Companies reward those who act like leaders, not those who just wait for promotions.

Taking ownership means going beyond job descriptions. Employees should identify problems, offer solutions, and take responsibility for their outcomes. Those who step up and think like business owners are more likely to be recognised.

Take Charge of Your Career

Mittal advises professionals to stop waiting for promotions. Instead, they should align their work with business goals, offer great value, and then ask for the raise or position they deserve. He followed these principles before becoming a founder and found success.

If employees want to grow, they need to prove their worth. Instead of relying on past achievements, they should show how they contribute to future success. Companies promote those who create impact, take initiative, and shows leadership qualities.

Final Thoughts

Promotions are no longer about waiting for years. To move ahead, employees must be quick, show real progress, and take initiative. Anupam Mittal’s message is simple: work smart, take ownership, and make yourself valuable. Those who adapt fast, deliver results, and show leadership will always grow in their careers.