Most promotions happen based on a combination of your length of service, experience, and performance. But there are also elements that are more subtle, such as your relationships, your network, and your visibility.

And while you can always wait and watch, you can also take proactive steps to get a new job title, increased responsibility, more decision-making power, greater salary, or a new leadership opportunity.

How to get promoted faster

Many workers, especially those early in their careers, aim to receive a promotion about every three to five years. However, it is not uncommon for promotions to happen every couple of years. Interestingly, about 30% of people in a study by Nectar say they have received a promotion during the last year and another 30% reported they had achieved a promotion in the last two years.

There are all kinds of promotions, from a traditional vertical promotion in which you obtain a bump in your title, salary, and responsibilities to a horizontal promotion in which you move to another role with a similar spot in the hierarchy and salary range.

You might also receive a dry promotion, also known as a “quiet promotion,” which comes with an enhanced title and tasks, but doesn’t deliver more money or benefits. These types of opportunities are great for your résumé, but may be tough on your morale.

Fortunately, there are strategies you can leverage to increase your chances of getting the promotion you want. Here are four that can help you get a promotion faster.

Prioritize performance

People often get promoted as a reward for current contributions, so one of the primary ways to get ahead is to perform well. It may seem obvious, but it also comes with some nuance.

Consistency is key to earning a promotion. You’ll need to get things done, follow through, and follow up impeccably—because you’re only as good as your last assignment, task, or deliverable. People are moving fast, and they tend to have short memories, so your ability to deliver again and again—dependably—will keep you top of mind.

People also have a recency bias, in which they remember things that just happened but tend not to think of things that are in the past. When you ask for a promotion, you want people to easily recall the great work you just did.

Grit is also important. It’s easier to perform on easy projects or during positive business conditions but you’ll also need to perform when things are tricky, uncertain, or unpleasant. Stick with a hard project as you experiment and figure things out. When you persevere and come through, even in difficult situations, you boost your credibility.

Tracking and talking about your performance are also factors for promotion. It’s not enough to do great work that no one is aware of; you’ll also need to be sure your boss is informed about your results.

You don’t want to be arrogant or boastful, because a mixture of confidence and humility will make you most likable. But you’ll want to find appropriate ways to let people know what you’re doing.

Tell the story about how you worked through a challenge. Share the positive feedback that your customer gave you, and consider tracking your work so you can provide your boss with details of your impact. All of these will help people realize what you’re doing and how you’re driving results.

Lean in and learn

People get promoted not only for their present contributions but also based on their future potential. You can leverage this by staying engaged and dedicating yourself to the next important deliverable. Most people are happy to do what they’re asked and fulfill their basic responsibilities, but you’ll set yourself apart if you take initiative.

Make suggestions about how things can be done better. Solve a problem that has been plaguing the team or provide support to a colleague who is struggling with an issue.

You’ll also put yourself ahead when you continuously seek to learn and develop your skills and your talents. Take on a new project that is adjacent to your current role but allows you to stretch. Enroll in the classes that are available and ask for feedback about how you can do better.

Another way to demonstrate your engagement and motivation is to take smart risks. The world is increasingly uncertain and volatile, and this carries into organizations. You won’t always know exactly what’s happening next, but when you can keep going in and avoid becoming paralyzed by uncertainty, you’ll gain people’s confidence.

Build relationships and visibility

People get promoted because others advocate for them and make a case for them to be rewarded. As a result, your ability to build strong relationships is key to earning a promotion.

Reach out to mentors and ask them for advice, coaching, and input. Maintain a strong relationship with your boss and keep them informed about your work, ask for guidance when you need it, and foster transparency.

Get involved in groups and projects outside of your team so you can get to know people in different parts of the organization. When it comes to getting a promotion, the more people across various areas who know you, the better. Focus on people, be curious about them, and invest time in your relationships.

People want to be around others who are authentic, positive, and energetic. You don’t need to be unreasonable or excessive in your optimism, but you can demonstrate passion for your interests, your work, and the outcomes you deliver.

Your goal in expanding your visibility isn’t to seek accolades or recognition, but rather to contribute where you can and to connect, learn, and grow in your relationships.

Advocate for yourself

Lastly, you need to tactfully make the case for why you deserve to be promoted.

Be patient and remind yourself that promotions are based on a strong track record. If you’re perceived as entitled or unrealistic about your expectations for a promotion, this reputation will work against you.

After you’ve made a meaningful investment and delivered great results, be ready to advocate for yourself. In preparing your business case, develop strong points related to your performance, your impact on customers (internal and external), business conditions, and equity with other contributors.

You should also think of examples about your continued commitment and desire to contribute to the organization going forward.

With your great performance, your engagement and learning, your strong network, and your business case, your leader will be compelled to advocate for your success and keep you moving forward in a great career.