✳flâneur — a map of the web's best reading

'Failing up': Why some climb the ladder despite mediocrity

bbc.com · 1,702 words · saved by 1 readers

Allowing workers to 'fail up' can yield talented leaders. But only some people are allowed to fail without penalty, while others never get the chance. As we head into 2022, Worklife is running our best, most insightful and most essential stories from 2021. When you’re done with this article, check out our full list of the year’s top stories. It’s the lacklustre associate who makes partner despite a poor record, even though you’ve been working around the clock at the same firm without even a glance from the bosses. It’s getting passed up for that big account after being at an agency for five years, only to see your unremarkable-but-charismatic colleague score the project after two. Or maybe it’s that ineffective manager who, despite poor people skills, continues to get more staff and responsibility. Most of us know the frustrating feeling of watching someone ‘fail upward’: landing successively sweeter gigs even after professional mediocrity or missteps. It turns out, allowing employees

'Failing up': Why some climb the ladder despite mediocrity 4 March 2021 Share Save Add as preferred on Google Zulekha Nathoo Features correspondent Alamy Allowing workers to 'fail up' can yield talented leaders. But only some people are allowed to fail without penalty, while others never get the chance. As we head into 2022, Worklife is running our best, most insightful and most essential stories from 2021. When you’re done with this article, check out our full list of the year’s top stories . It’s the lacklustre associate who makes partner despite a poor record, even though you’ve been workin

Explore this link on the map →

related reading