The number one thing that you need to know about corporate America is this hard work alone will not get you promoted. To truly understand what your job values and to be seen as the one to get promoted, try these four things. One, pay attention to the language and the topics senior leaders emphasize in meetings, emails, and company wide communications. The areas leadership consistently mentions is what the company values the most. 2. Look at those who’ve been promoted recently. What common traits and contributions do they share? Is it a skill? Strategy? Relationships? 3. Your manager’s performance is tied directly to key performance indicators, so learn what they are. In one on ones, ask your manager about their main goals and some of their challenges. And 4. Companies often have formal metrics and recognition programs that will reveal what they value. Look at the criteria for the awards and the bonuses and the performance reviews. What achievements are consistently rewarded, and how are those things connected to what you do? You don’t just want to work hard. You want your moves to be strategic and to ensure that your contributions are recognized as essential to the company’s success, therefore raising your stock and helping you to be seen as invaluable.