Promotions that don't make Sense at the Workplace

JBKO · ‎12-16-2011

Over the course of 2 years, I have seen at least 4 people in my company promoted when there were better candidates for the position. This was clear to EVERYONE and a shock even to those who did end up getting the position. Why do companies do this? I know I may sound naive but maybe you all can share what similar experiences you have had in relation to this. The good thing is that in two of the cases, the best candidate (which of course wasn't chosen) ended up in better paying jobs, albeit outside of the company.

A friend in need is a friend indeed.

Lynnj · ‎03-21-2010

I would like to know the answer too. I think sometimes these things happen because those that got that type of position are those who know how to play the office politics game. They are good at networking, minimal interaction with the right leaders can make an impression. It also shows that some leaders arent necessarily looking for the right person to fill a position (from a skill set perspective), but the right person based on the impression that was portrayed (from a relationship perspective). Goes to show that building a good network is more important than building skill set, if advancement is your goal. I really don't know, as I am not the type of person I describe above. No clue how to play office politics, don't really have the time to play anyway, and could care less about building a network. Those people who schmooze with leaders get on my nerves.

sunshine45 · ‎03-09-2010

On 3/30/2015 DiscountDiva said:
Over the course of 2 years, I have seen at least 4 people in my company promoted when there were better candidates for the position. This was clear to EVERYONE and a shock even to those who did end up getting the position. Why do companies do this? I know I may sound naive but maybe you all can share what similar experiences you have had in relation to this. The good thing is that in two of the cases, the best candidate (which of course wasn't chosen) ended up in better paying jobs, albeit outside of the company.

maybe THAT is one of the reasons why.....maybe they dont feel like the employee actually wants to stay with the company? perhaps they dont want to promote someone who they think would leave and not stick with them? perhaps they see potential or company loyalty in those that were promoted. there could be any number of reasons.

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"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing." - Albert Einstein

Tinkrbl44 · ‎08-23-2010

I think that people are sometimes promoted because they are merely acceptable ..... and won't be a threat to the people they report to.

chessylady · ‎05-01-2010

They may be related to one of the bosses, yes nepotism still exists. Or they may have damaging inside information and the promotion will keep them quiet.

Deb1010again · ‎05-28-2013

Y'all bring up excellent examples of why this happens. It's frustrating. It definitely has to do with the boss and his/her need to have a loyal ""yes"" man/woman in the leadership position. I HATE HATE HATE office politics and don't like to play either. I'm all for fairness and equity and it gets me in trouble every time. lol

hckynut · ‎03-10-2010

Happened to me and was part of the reason I retired when I did. 32 of us Quality Inspectors took a qualification test for 7 openings in a much higher paying position. I was an hourly worker, as were all that took this test, and the job openings were for a Salaried position.

Had I got this job on my 1st day I would be making $400 per month higher than my hourly paid present job. I scored 2nd highest score out of the 32 that took the test. I told my wife the 7 names that would get job, I was right on 6 of the 7. Why you might ask? My reply was, and remains this: "IT IS NOT WHAT YOU KNOW, IT IS WHO YOU NOSE".

hckynut(john)

PenneyT · ‎02-27-2015

Sometimes bosses put value on simple yet vital things, such as: being on time, actually showing up, being competent in one's position, Not Causing Trouble With Other Employees, meeting deadlines, etc. Sometimes there are very talented employees who unfortunately don't possess the 'basics'. Not saying that is the case here at all, but sometimes its those very reasons.

cotton4me · ‎03-09-2010

Based on what I saw at my workplace promotions were based on personality and not necessarily skills. They promoted one woman because the boss liked her but she couldn't do any part of the job, absolutely no ability. It was a disaster and they eventually "retired" her. Unfortunately this wasn't an isolated incident.

Deb1010again · ‎05-28-2013

On 3/31/2015 PenneyT said: Sometimes bosses put value on simple yet vital things, such as: being on time, actually showing up, being competent in one's position, Not Causing Trouble With Other Employees, meeting deadlines, etc. Sometimes there are very talented employees who unfortunately don't possess the 'basics'. Not saying that is the case here at all, but sometimes its those very reasons.

IMO you're talking about lower level clerical or retail employee types. I interpreted this thread as more senior level jobs. Where you can have some talented people who really carry the load and then the management types who are yes men/women.