Business · Companies · 4 hrs ago
How to support a strong employee when promotion is not possible
Managers may be unable to promote a strong employee even when that person expects to move up.
The story describes a workplace where fewer openings and less job mobility can limit promotion opportunities.
Experts say career growth can also come through new responsibilities, skills and visibility, rather than a higher title.
Managers should explain the limits clearly and avoid promising a promotion by a certain date.
They should then listen to the employee’s reaction and ask about the challenges and skills the person wants to pursue.
A growth plan can link those ambitions to available opportunities while separating progress from a move up the company hierarchy.
The advice is to keep the employee’s career moving even when no promotion is available now.
Managers should be transparent with high-performing employees when a promotion is not available.
Dan Schawbel says there is less job mobility and fewer opportunities for advancement.
Anthony Klotz says professional growth can come through broader responsibilities, new skills and greater visibility.
Managers are advised to listen to employees’ reactions and ask about their ambitions.
A growth plan can help employees advance without a change in job title.
- Who
- Managers and high-performing employees seeking promotion.
- What
- Advice on supporting an employee when a promotion is not possible.
- When
- The article was published on October 13, 2026.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- The article says there is less job mobility and fewer openings for advancement.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Published
- October 13, 2026
- Workplace Intelligence
- Dan Schawbel is managing partner
- University College London
- Anthony Klotz is an organizational psychologist
What people are saying
There is less mobility and fewer openings to grow.
You cannot promise that a position will be available in six months or even in two years.
People tend to remain committed to organizations that invest in them, and investment can mean many things.
Show that you are committed to keeping their career moving.
Sources
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