Many people think that a promotion is a reward. But the truth is employees are promoted because their superiors think their subordinates will fare well in the next assignment. If you want to go up the corporate ladder you will need to have two important things: skills and timing.

Here are a few things you can do to ensure you do go up during the next round of promotions:

Make sure your replacement is ready

Train people who can take the reins of your job when you move up. Many executives are biased against promoting from within because it leads to at least two staffing changes. Training the perfect candidate to take your place step into your position will also lead to your boss viewing you as a good leader. Seems counter-intuitive? Not so. A boss can't do without you will be wary about moving you into another job.

Open your ears

Timing is of great importance when thinking about being promoted. If you know that your company opening up a new office, finish the project you are working on right now and put yourself forward as the best candidate to head that new department.

When you learn something new is coming up and it will be to your benefit, delegate some of your duties to free up your time. If the new assignment is in a foreign land, try scheduling a vacation to the area and think about signing up for language courses as well.

Compliment your boss in front of his boss

This is a very good way to establish communication between you and your boss' boss. If for example, you and your boss are coming back from a presentation with a client try write a note to the top brass saying that your boss did great job and you accomplished your goals and more.

Never decline any promotions

Take it, take it, take it! Refuse a promotion and you will never get another.

Especially during the early years in the company. Grab every promotion along the way even if it means moving to some rural town in the middle of nowhere. When you've paid your dues and are a little bit older, you will then have a chance to be more picky about jobs offered to you.

Find a superstar in your company

Find a mentor who can give you great assignments and help you move through. Remember, when they move up, you move up.

Find a new skill to have

Always be willing to learn something new. This is more true when your company is going through some kind of change. No one is really too old to learn something new each day.

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