How Stupid People Get Promoted











11 thoughts on “How Stupid People Get Promoted

  1. I like your positive viewpoint. I have one question though: what if someone is promoted due to their strengths and as soon as they are, they start acting differently? The person became combative, insulting and moody. Now as a subordinate I have to cope with the fall out. I don’t think they are stupid, I just think the position might be inappropriate for them.

    1. You could very well be right. The stress associated with the change (even good change can be stressful) or the challenge of new responsibilities is hard for some people to handle.

      Even if you now work for this person you still have the ability to “lead” them. It is very possible they may not realize how they have changed. A simple question to them make help them see it.

      I’d ask, “did you realize “you’re a different you” since your promotion? Is that on purpose or did it just kinda happen?

      Okay, so that’s two questions but you get my point. The other option of course is to just suffer through it while they grow into the role.

      As always, we have choices. 🙂

  2. Fanatstic piece. Always love your tweets about leadership. I have a boss who is never satisfied. No matter whatt you do. She gives you an assignment to carry out and expects it the next minute. Of course the assignment is laden with a lot of mistakes and that is d beginning of another round of bashing and shouting. How do I handle her?

    1. Sounds like you have an opportunity to lead up. 🙂

      As I accepted assignments I would ask for some clear measurable objectives and checkpoints along the way so you can course correct along the way if need be.

      This could actually help “the boss” to think through the assignments to make them more productive and increase the odds of success.

      Just remember, ask for these objectives in a way that shows your only interest is in doing a better job.

  3. Leaders who fail to find the value of diversity in their organizations also tend to not see the diversity in their customers, resulting in either a one size fits all or very narrow minded approach to their products or services. I work in an industry (energy efficiency) where it’s assumed every employee has the same political, social and economic motivations as everyone else. If you deviate in any way from the “accepted” way of thinking, you’re seen as mentally and morally deficient. This translates into how customers are perceived as well. Only people who are “smart” enough to think the same way as a company does are viewed as viable customers. Anyone else, even though they may have the money to spend and are motivated to buy, are viewed as too dumb to benefit from what the company has to offer and are never pursued.

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