The best estimator became operations manager. Both jobs got worse.

Promoting your strongest technical performer into management is the most common way a business loses two good jobs at once, and the arithmetic explains why.

By Steve 5 min read
Abstract bridge artwork for The best estimator became operations manager. Both jobs got worse.

A familiar sequence: the person who prices the most work, wins the most of it and is trusted by the awkward clients gets promoted. It is meant as recognition and as retention: they were going to leave otherwise, and there was no other way to pay them more. Six months later quotes are slower, the team is no better organised than before, and the promoted person is working evenings to keep their old workload moving. Nobody can point to the moment it went wrong, because nothing went wrong. The structure…

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Important: General information only. Rialto Bridge articles describe patterns and considerations that may apply to a business; they are not financial, legal, tax or accounting advice, and they take no account of your particular circumstances. Consider your own situation and seek advice from a qualified professional before acting.

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