When "We Can Always Count on You" Becomes a Problem

"Sally was continuously praised, trusted and everyone relied on her. But she was not advancing in her career. This is what I call the praise plateau. Early in your career, you likely sought out the praise, as you were taught that it signals progress. Compliments reinforce competence and recognition builds confidence. Praise becomes the marker that you are moving forward."

"The promotions went to Sally's colleagues who were described using very different words. They were called 'visionary,' 'strategic,' and 'innovative.' Sally was continuously praised, trusted and everyone relied on her. But she was not advancing in her career."

"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."

Sally exemplifies the praise plateau—a career trap where consistent excellence and recognition in execution-focused work paradoxically prevents advancement. While colleagues described as visionary and strategic receive promotions, Sally remains stuck despite being trusted, relied upon, and praised for solving critical problems. Early career praise signals progress and builds confidence, but this same recognition can lock high performers into narrow roles. Organizations promote those seen as shaping direction rather than executing plans. The disconnect between being valued for competence and being overlooked for leadership creates a situation where praise becomes a barrier rather than a stepping stone to career growth.

Read at Psychology Today