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Promotions often go to those seen as shaping direction, not just executing plans.

Recognition can reinforce competence but also lock someone into a narrow role.

Advancement requires not just excellent work but a shift in how that work is perceived.

High performers may feel valued yet still overlooked for leadership opportunities.

At first, the praise felt earned…exciting even. Then it became a trap.

After another long meeting, the division head turned to Sally (not her real name) and said “We can always count on you.” A few weeks later, when a project took a wrong turn, Sally’s boss reached out again. “Can you take a look? You’re the only one I trust to fix this.”

Sally fixed the problem and the project stabilized. The deadline was met, and the team moved on. At an all-hands meeting, Sally was greeted with the phrases you’d expect: “Outstanding work,” “We’d be lost without you,” “You’re the glue that keeps everything together.”

Sally was known for this type of work. She was consistently doing a great job, and the praise always followed. The problem was that despite her good work, her career stalled. Each time she solved........

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