Promotion-Ready or Stuck? How Mid-Level Leaders Can Break the Plateau
You’ve earned your stripes. You’ve built the technical know-how, delivered growth, and exceeded all your key objectives. But despite the results and dedication, you’re still waiting for that next big move.
Sound familiar?
Welcome to the mid-level leadership plateau — a frustrating limbo where many talented professionals in the lubricants industry find themselves stuck.
The good news?
You don’t have to stay there. With the right strategy and mindset, you can shift and get that promotion you need.
Why Promotions Don’t Always Go to the Obvious Candidates
You might think your performance alone should speak for itself.
But here’s the kicker:
Recent research from APQC shows that 48% of senior-management/executive roles are filled through internal promotions — the rest go to external hires. That’s a clear message: if you’re not actively positioning yourself as a strategic leader, someone from outside the company could snag the role you’re eyeing.
So, what gives?
According to Sabrina Panero, Delivery Consultant Europe at ABN Resource, “Many mid-level leaders do great work but aren’t visible in the right way. Promotion isn’t just about delivery; it’s about demonstrating executive presence and being seen as someone who can influence beyond your immediate remit.”
What’s Holding You Back? 5 Common Career Stallers
Even high-performers can get passed over. Through our executive search work across Europe and the US, we see the same patterns again and again. Mid-level leaders plateau when they:
- Stay in their functional lane – No exposure to broader commercial, customer-facing, or strategic areas.
- Lack visibility – Executives don’t know their value or impact.
- Play it safe – Rarely challenge the status quo or lead change initiatives.
- Don’t self-advocate – Wait to be noticed instead of articulating their ambition.
- Lead operationally, not inspirationally – Focus on tasks, not people, outcomes, or vision.
Britt-Anna Weir, Delivery Consultant USA at ABN Resource, sees this especially in technical leaders “They’re experts in their domain but haven’t developed the cross-functional language or influence skills. Companies want people who can navigate uncertainty, not just execute instructions.”
What Sets Promotion-Ready Leaders Apart?
The best leaders we place into senior roles in lubricants companies share a few critical traits:
- They act like leaders before they have the title
- They build influence across departments, not just within their silo
- They solve business problems, not just team or process problems
- They have a clear leadership brand – people know what they stand for
In essence, executive presence is about how you think, speak, show up, and make others feel — it is often the dealbreaker between getting promoted or staying put.
Good news, it’s trainable!
Executive Presence Checklist for Mid-Level Managers
Here’s our ABN Resource Checklist to help you start building that presence today!
NUMBER 1: Think and Speak Strategically
☑ Can you link your team’s work to company-wide goals?
☑ Do you speak the language of business, not just operations?
NUMBER 2: Increase Visibility
☑ Are you contributing to cross-functional meetings?
☑ Do senior leaders know what you bring to the table?
NUMBER 3: Invest in Relationships
☑ Are you building alliances outside your direct team?
☑ Do mentors or sponsors advocate for your growth?
NUMBER 4: Manage Up, Not Just Down
☑ Are you proactively aligning with your boss’s goals?
☑ Do you provide solutions—not just problems?
NUMBER 5: Demonstrate Calm Under Pressure
☑ Can you hold your ground in tough conversations?
☑ Do people turn to you when the stakes are high?
NUMBER 6: Be Known for Something
☑ What’s your leadership “brand”?
☑ Are you seen as the go-to for innovation, crisis management, or culture-building?
Final Word: Don’t Just “Do”—Lead.
The lubricants industry needs more than managers—it needs visible, bold, strategic leaders who can drive transformation in a complex, talent-short market.
As Britt-Anna Weir says “If you’re not actively preparing for the role you want, you’re already behind. Executive readiness isn’t just a checkbox — it’s a mindset.”
And to echo Sabrina Panero “Leaders who succeed in stepping up are the ones who make themselves part of the bigger picture. They lead with purpose, presence, and proactivity.”
So ask yourself: Are you promotion-ready, or just hoping to be noticed?
At ABN Resource, we assist lubricants professionals like you in navigating the challenging path to executive leadership. If you’re seeking new senior leadership opportunities, our expert team is here to provide the guidance you need. Contact us today!
