The Magic Loop: The Growth & Promotion Recipe
Framework for rapid career growth
Thanks to Lenny Rachitsky, I wrote a more detailed version of how to use The Magic Loop and its advanced forms (from Asking to Suggesting and eventually Just Doing) as a guest post in Lenny’s Newsletter.
An overlooked aspect of The Magic Loop is that it applies to all levels (e.g. ICs, managers, executives) and is a powerful tool for managers to empower and develop their teams. I often tells managers "If you want a better team, show them this Magic Loop idea". Tell your team that you are open to working with them on their goals via this system if they are willing to invest and take on some necessary work to get there.
If you take the time to read just one thing from me this month, read this.
There is a Magic Loop of skill growth you can apply to accelerate your career.
The core of the loop is incredibly simple:
Do your current work very well.
Ask your manager where you can help them / the group.
Do that thing well also.
Repeat at step 2.
There are special cases (bad managers), corner cases (self-employed), and advanced versions (do not ask in step 2, just see what is needed and do it).
But the core of the loop is dead simple.
If you want to achieve some kind of promotion, this process is the most effective repeatable path to promotion I have found in decades of working myself, managing others, and coaching.
I've tested it with many people and it works.
Given this, I have built an on-demand course going over all the special cases and nuances in more depth.
I've priced it so that just about any professional can reasonably afford it, $99.
If you feel you cannot afford it, the central core of the method is right here in this post for free.
If you trust my advice here, I challenge you to trust that the class is worth an hour of your time (which for most of you is actually a more valuable ask than the money).
Click here for The Magic Loop: The Growth and Promotion Recipe.
If you buy the class, watch it all, and truly feel it was a waste of your time, reply to this email and I will refund your purchase.
This process works for everyone.
New graduates through executives.
Individual contributors (ICs) and leaders.
It even works for entrepreneurs without any kind of manager or corporate structure.
For managers and leaders, it actually benefits you to share this class with your teams.
The more your employees know about the Magic Loop, the easier your life will become. The core of the loop is exactly what leaders want:
Step 1 is for employees to seek feedback in order to make sure they are delivering great performance.
Step 2 is for them to come and ask you how they can help you meet the group's goals.
Part of the "magic" of the loop is that it is "win/win" for both employees and managers.
It creates highly capable, proactive employees you are excited to promote.
I've polled managers many times and they all report that they are rarely asked: "What can I do to help you?"
Part of the Magic of this loop turns on changing that experience, creating a win/win partnership between the leader and the team.
As always, I invite reader comments on the loop I have outlined. I have spent years on the nuances, which will not fit here within a post, but I am sure we can all still learn more from each other.
Watch the course introduction to see what you will get.
Course testimonial:
Great course, Ethan. Thanks. I am reminded of the quote by late Jack Welch - “Simplest formulae for becoming successful is over delivering and then some.”
Share This Course With Your Team
If you manage a team, share this course to invest in your team and help them reach the next level.
If you work with multiple stakeholders, share this course with your peers to help them accelerate their careers.
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