Beware of the promotion trap | Glenn Weissinger | TEDxPurdueU

Counterintuitively, it's rare for a person's job to align with his or her passions. Seasoned executive, Glenn Weissinger, explains how people accept promotions over the course of their careers leading them to professional underperformance and stressful lives.

Glenn Weissinger spent over 36 years in the aerospace industry principally in the areas of strategic planning, operations research and business development. He recently retired from the position of Vice President – Strategic Planning, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. He is a recipient of Purdue’s Outstanding Aerospace Engineer award for lifetime achievement.

[Orion_Nebula_M]

Very smart guy. He said something critical that most people overlook. Your personality type and your career align. I am learning that more each day

[wendipearson]

Thank you for this. I too see many people with good technical skills be made into directors and the result is horrible. While they are good at the technical work, they are poor at leadership, strategy, people management, etc. I turned down a promotion a few years ago for this reason. I've been embarassed every since. My self-confidence took a nose diive. Hearing your talk restored my faith in the choice I made. So, thanks again.

[datag]

One of the most important TedTalks. I recently went through this situation, turned down a promotion (didn't feel right) and it ate at me for a couple of weeks, but I stuck with my decision. Today, I come across this great lecture that spoke to me directly. I definitely made the right decision. Be happy. Stay passionate. Do what is right for YOU.

[SuperYellowsubmarin]

Technicians promoted as managers without proper skills, training or even vocation. The untold truth of the industry. Terrible management happens then. Thanks for mentioning that.

[francism.navarro]

I was told that my promotion to a higher rank at the university was turned down because I do not have enough “high-profile” publications despite the fact that my teaching was very good to excellent and my collegial contribution was very good. I realized I am just a number for the university ranking. A friend said that some may have high-profile publications, that no-one reads, but I do high-impact teaching. Thank you for giving this talk. It made me re-think my attitude towards this rejection. Will just go on doing good in the classroom.

[JohnNovakovich]

I don't want to be rich, I just want to be comfortable. I want a bit of security and the freedom from living paycheck to paycheck, but I don't want to serve a Porsche or a mcmansion

[jeremiahvice]

I was offered a manager position at a company that I just started. Of course I took the opportunity. But wow, it is emotionally and physically draining. The stress level is just different everyday. The worst thing, it affects me both in and out of work.

[hopea]

I turned down a promotion before watching this video. Everything he mentioned made perfect sense with my decision. "Promotion trap" I never heard of this but I do appreciate your video.

[JohnNovakovich]

This man is wonderful, humble, and so wise. Love this video

[TheLastPrime]

Funny that I'm discovering this now. I just quit a job that didn't align with my abilities and interests. All of the side effects he described were present, I took it home, my marriage was strained and I felt overwhelmed for the first time in my whole working life, despite my team and I performing at a high level, I wasn't at my personal best and was becoming more cynical. So I left to pursue electrical work, and im a lot happier.

[rumble]

this is so phenomenal and it's on a subject that no one ever talks about. I just went through the same thing recently where in my past I was always excited to get promotion to move up the chain. In my new company the same thing just happened but I was not excited at all and I knew it would be a step backwards. I did not fall for the promotion and I'm continuing being happy where I am just being a hundred percent commission sales rep just being responsible for my own destiny. becoming a manager in the company would have been extremely detrimental to my stress levels and what I brought home everyday.

[iamthegame]

What a brilliant video and so true to form...personally and professionally speaking I'm actually rather averse to the idea of promotions because I'm always sceptical to how politically charged they tend to be...like, for example, years ago in work an opportunity arose, I put myself forward only to be told "we won't be able to give you this one because X has been here longer than you but there's something coming up in a few months and you'll definitely get that one"...needless to say when the second one came up I declined to be put myself forward because in my mind I prefer to be rewarded based on merit, not because I was "next in line"...so yes, I was expected to go for the second promotion and when I didn't management weren't too happy but I did find a way to still enjoy my work and continue to help others...I trained in new employees and prepared THEM for career advancement...alot did move up ahead of me which was very much o.k. with me and if I may say so myself I really enjoyed helping others find happiness in their careers....so for me, promotion?...no thank you!

[chrisj]

I have found that when my success depends on others being successful I’m going to work a lot harder than those I’m supervising. I’d rather be an Indian than a Chief.

[CoopMauKona]

He's basically right (especially about building your skillset), however, I'll take it a step further. "Dream jobs" are a fallacy. Corporations exist to make money for their shareholders. They proliferate this fallacy of "dream jobs" to keep people willing to overwork for that cause. The best job is the highest level individual contributor (not manager), where you can do your work, be part of the team and go home with energy to have a healthy family life. If you need money beyond this, you can use your energy outside of work to build wealth. I see very few people who have it all (high stress job, perfect family life, time to pursue passions, happiness etc.).

[alfonsoperez]

I had some awesome times being a technician at a semi conductor fab in Austin. The work culture environment makes a huge difference.

[chigirld]

Great video. I was recently offered a promotional grade position near family on the west coast. I love taking on jobs that challenge me but at the same time I'd like to keep my sanity. I will keep this video in mind the next time I'm offered another promotion.

[aniellis]

I didn’t get the promotion... and I’m ok with it now.

[judepriya]

Very very true. He is very wise and wisdom bring humbleness in you I guess. Thank you 🙏

[SaviourLions]

I got promoted, and I regret it. More money, but I work 11 to 12 hours a day. While regular employees work 8 hours a day. Stressed.

[sachinh]

Reward will be given based on band for an example from executive level to CEO ; so org hr informs you unless change the band the reward won't increase