Why promote you when you're so tech saavy!

"I cannot promote you because you are the most technical employee I have here and I need you where you are." How many times have you heard this before? Either from friends or maybe a manager told you at one point in your career. We've all gone through this route and it is not fun. What is interesting though in this situation is the fact that the one telling you (your manager) may be unconscious of what she is being perceived at, the moment those words come out in a meeting-- maybe she is perceived to be short-sighted, she fears losing her own job as she is jealous of your potential, she wields her power, she's insecure, she is unable to see your professional development properly (or does not care), she sees her monies that she can gain from your contribution (through bonuses, for example) and many potential negatives. Thus the non-promotion.

There are legitimate issues for non-promotion but there are unfair ones as well. The importance of awareness of the difference between the two as well as the perceptions that come with either option especially for profit driven organisations is that leaders need to be vigilant of the loyalty of their people and this can be gained by promotions and recognition. It's not that difficult to say "you've done a great job" to someone and promotions even with minimal salary increases can be viewed as "you're doing your best." Saying otherwise can be detrimental to your employees interests and will end up making them want to leave your organisation. But then again, maybe its a tactic that you'd like to use so that that individual does leave. You tell me.

photo by sarae

TAGS: Leadership, Management, Promotion

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