Select HR Luxembourg

Interested to know how our clients are staying competitive in the ever-revolving employment market? Below is an article I recently wrote to help companies in Luxembourg remain competitive in todays market and ways to leverage their uniqueness to help retain talent.

📢 Why Do Non-High Performers Get Promoted? 5 Key Reasons You Should Know! Ever wondered why some people who aren’t top performers still climb the career ladder? Here are the five most common reasons why this happens, especially in large organizations: 🕵️♂️ Masters of Disguise – In big companies with more complex structures, it's easier to blend in or "hide" in plain sight. I’ve seen mid-level and senior candidates from financial giants struggle to succeed in smaller, in-house roles where there's nowhere to hide. The lack of accountability in larger organizations can sometimes allow them to skate by. 🎭 The Art of Overselling – Some candidates are experts at selling their skills, often creating an image that isn’t entirely accurate. With strong organizational skills, they can often maintain this illusion - at least temporarily. In companies with high turnover or frequent management changes, these individuals can rise through the ranks before anyone notices the gaps in their capabilities. 🔀 Shifting Skill Priorities – Being technically great at your job doesn’t automatically make you a good manager. Sometimes people who aren't the strongest performers are actually better at leadership or softer skills, allowing them to succeed in management roles. Promotions shouldn't be based solely on hitting numbers; it's good when companies recognize and promote those who inspire others, model the company culture, and foster team growth. 🤝 Staying Close to Decision Makers – Building relationships with key decision-makers can make a huge difference. Even those without the highest performance metrics can excel by forming strategic connections and demonstrating loyalty to senior leaders. These relationships can lead to new opportunities and internal promotions. 🏢 Navigating Corporate Culture – In some organizations, knowing the system and playing by its rules can be more important than technical expertise. People who excel at understanding office dynamics, knowing who to approach for what, and mastering corporate communication often get promoted - even if they aren’t top performers. ⚠️ The perception of unfair promotions is one of the top drivers of dissatisfaction and frustration in the workplace, often causing high performers to look elsewhere. An advice to decision-makers: to retain top talent, foster a strong feedback culture. Every employee should have a voice, regardless of seniority, and feedback should be mutual - team members should be able to provide input on their peers and leaders! When promoting someone, be transparent with the team about why the decision was made. Clear communication goes a long way in maintaining trust and motivation across the teams. 💬 Other reasons why non-high performers get promoted? Share your thoughts below! #promotion #leadership #management #career