Have you ever seen or have been in that situation where your boss has left, retired or got promoted herself and the number 2 person automatically gets promoted?

I was speaking to someone the other day, about this very issue, and they were expressing concern about not getting what they needed from a newly-promoted team member. I asked if they had taken the time to ask the newly-promoted manager what they wanted/needed? Was this something that they, in their organisational culture, do on a regular basis?

They said they hadn’t as they had assumed that the person would want to be promoted and, so, had just promoted them.

Now, that may not be the problem with the person, in question. But assuming that they would want to get promoted and have the right skills and self-belief to want to take on that extra responsibility can be dangerous for the overall business and the team that they manage.

The question I have is: Does anyone ever ask the number 2 if they want to get promoted, if they want the increase in responsibility? I am not sure they always do and sometimes six months down the line when the newly promoted person isn’t performing at their best or is not settling into the role, many people and her superiors start to ask themselves if they have the right person for the role or, even, the company.

If you do get asked, is it ok to say ‘no’ in this situation?

I think it should be.

Promoting someone just because someone else leaves isn’t the best way to get the best out of someone. Sometimes, it is better now to assume but to ask what they want.

Do you have a organisational culture that says it is ok to stay where you are and be great and concentrate at being an expert in your current role?

I look forward to your comments and stories.

Thanks to SuperFantastic for the image