“You promoted the wrong person and everyone knows it, including the person you promoted.”
I have been on both sides of this equation. The one being promoted, and the one who felt bitter over somebody else’s promotion.
From my experience, wrong promotions usually happen when loyalty is valued over competency. The visibility has overpowered the actual contribution.
I’ve seen many individual contributors who are fantastic at surviving the corporate jungle. But that doesn’t mean they can lead a tribe.
And I’ve also seen many high-potential leaders who might just be a mediocre as independent contributors.
That is why it’s always important to develop, coach, and give stretch assignments first before promoting.
Promotions should be well earned.
Otherwise, you will start hearing…
“The high performers are leaving because you keep rewarding loyalty over results.”
xoxoxo
