When you promote the wrong person for the wrong reasons, you don't just lose one good employee.
You lose all the great ones watching.
My story:
I was the top performer. Exceeding targets. Building strong client relationships.
Then came promotion time.
The role went to someone who:
- Had 2 months more tenure
- Was male
- Was a “primary earner“
Those were the actual reasons given.
Not performance.
Not impact.
Not potential.
The 4-hour exit interview was interesting:
“You're getting the highest bonus in the company“
“We see you as future leadership“
“This is just timing“
But here's what they missed:
- Money doesn't fix broken values.
- Bonuses don't erase bias.
- Future promises don't heal present wounds.
I left.
And so did three other high performers who saw what happened.
Leadership lesson:
When you choose politics over performance,
When you pick privilege over potential,
When you value tenure over talent...
You don't just lose your best people.
You lose your company's future.
Have you witnessed talent walk away because of biased decisions? Share your experience.
📌 Please don't forget to follow me, Kumud Deepali R. as I continue to share my life's experience as lessons to learn from.
♻️ Repost to stand by those who might be in this situation.