#36: Let Stars Be Stars: Challenging the Management Promotion Myth

In this episode of The BetterCulture Podcast,  Brett Hoogeveen focuses on the common business practice of promoting top individual performers into management roles, regardless of whether management actually suits their skills or desires. One concept discussed is the important distinction between "stars"—those who create value through their own performance—and "leaders," who generate value by helping others excel.

It's important to recognize that management is not a reward or a trophy, but a different job requiring a unique set of skills such as coaching, delegating, motivating, and holding people accountable. Brett discusses how promoting a great technical performer into management can sometimes result in losing both a top performer and failing to gain an effective leader. He also challenges the assumption that advancement and increased pay must involve people management, arguing instead that value should determine compensation, not just hierarchy. 

Listen to learn why organizations can, and should, ask better questions when considering how to help top performers grow. Instead of defaulting to traditional promotion paths, organizations should explore ways to increase these individuals’ impact, compensation, and influence—while carefully considering whether they truly want, and are suited for, a management position. The import lesson is to let leaders lead and let stars continue to be stars.