Promoted to Your Level of Incompetence?

How does it happen?

We all strive to be recognized, it is part of human nature.  To be recognized for what is unique and special about us is a positive thing.  In the authoritarian top-down workplaces of the past, it was very hard to be recognized if you were just a cog in the wheel, doing what you were told.  Everyone tried to climb the ladder to achieve some degree of freedom and be recognized as an individual. The remnants of this culture still endure, an overriding assumption that everyone wants to be promoted and nobody will be happy long term in the same role they are currently in, or at the same level in the organization.  If someone is great in a front line role we tend to “reward” them with a promotion. This thinking leads to the best outcomes facilitator or direct service worker in the agency being promoted into management.

How do we fight it off?

• Widen the salary bands in front line roles so that stars can be paid more than others still growing in the role.
• Create recognition from management and from the culture that “senior” or “master” front line staff are every bit as coveted as any manager or director.

…and most importantly provide personal recognition from their manager, on a regular basis, that the person is a star, an example of how to do this role.  Let them know that the organization covets and appreciates them IN THE ROLE THEY CURRENTLY HAVE.

The front line superstar might be destined for management and coaching, and observation of their strengths and gifts will help you determine that. Just don’t assume that everyone wants to be a manager- many don’t want it and/or won’t be good at it.  Creating alternate paths to success will improve retention, increase engagement and make your organization stand out from the pack.