Episode 34: When Promotions Aren’t Possible
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What can you do when an employee insists on a promotion, but you don't have one to give?
Jess and Al Dea dive into one of the most pressing challenges in today’s workplace: how to keep top talent engaged and growing when promotions are scarce, or not the answer at all. They explore the psychology behind promotion expectations, the systemic gaps in career development, and how L&D teams and managers can lead a smarter, more human-centered approach to growth. You’ll leave with actionable ideas, real-world examples, and a new way to think about employee development.
Jess and Al Discuss
Why promotion obsession is a symptom, not the root cause
How managers can use curiosity to uncover what employees actually want and/or need
Why transparency, honesty, and small actions matter more than grand gestures
The hidden influence of educational systems on career expectations
Systemic steps L&D can take to redefine development company-wide
The power of “going first” with your own team as a testing ground
Real-life examples from companies using language and culture to shift the narrative
Practical ways to start redefining growth without needing a promotion
About Al Dea
Al Dea is a talent and leadership development consultant, facilitator, and speaker. He is the Founder of The Edge of Work, a talent and leadership development firm that helps organizations develop leaders to improve engagement and performance.
Al works at the intersection of the future of work, talent, and leadership development. His insights have been published in outlets such as Forbes, Fast Company, and Business Insider. He is also the host of The Edge of Work podcast, which explores the future of work, talent and leadership, and a LinkedIn Top Voice in the Future of Work and Leadership.
Previously, Al worked at organizations such as Deloitte Consulting LLP and Salesforce. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business from Boston College and an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Find and Connect with Al Dea
Website: www.al-dea.com
Podcast: The Edge of Work
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