My 15 years with AT&T has shown me it’s about who you know or you better move if you want to be promoted in any ATT sales org. If you want to get promoted then drink the corporate Koolaide and/or be prepared to move. It doesn’t matter if you are terrible at your job or if have “3” as your EOY ratings - being qualified means nothing. This isn’t a “I’m bitter I got passed up for a promotion” post. It’s a I’m an outsider looking in and seeing massive amounts of quality talent leaving AT&T because we can’t lead and promote effectively. I can’t be the only one seeing this. Who else?
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As a minimum, you have to be in the right position at the right time working for the right person to have a chance at being promoted. However, the monkey wrench in the mix is how the company will lateral move another so they don't have to promote (they hate promoting).
The only promotions I have seen are Level 4 and above these days. Have not seen any lower level progressions in a very long time unless politically motivated and that goes for above also.
It’s always been and hasn’t changed in over 7 decades, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know!” If you don’t understand the concept, or nepotism, you’ll always resent your jobs no matter where you work or who you work for!
Trying to understand why anyone would have the ambition to want to be promoted within this company.
Must have an insatiable need to fell wanted...
Who you know is important everywhere you go!
OP if you’ve been here 15 years already than you’re probably too old to get promoted. SOooo many people in my org recently got promoted. I would bet they all had less than 10 years... all very young.
Back in the day, T required sales people who wanted to move up the chain to do a stint in New Jersey. Back then there were some pretty fat relo incentives. Also, to the fool who thinks Randall is married to Whitacre's daughter, get a new rumor.
A certain former CEO was married to the daughter of the previous CEO. That should tell you what you need to know about AT&T.
This is the biggest roadblock for African Americans getting promoted
I had 10 bosses in my 30 years, 2 promoted me bases on merits, 6 did the best they could do for me based on merits, 2 I didn't get along with but no real hassles.
I suggest the OP step back and take a good look at there self.
Sounds like a bitter and got passed up post.
Why would anyone want a promotion?
I Once told my boss who said how he was the lowest paid one on the crew,
"Think of yourself as the coach, and us as the players."
It's true.
Why do you care?
Being mobile and flexible to move for opportunities has always been how businesses with large sales organizations attract and maintain talent. It’s also how talent gets promoted. There’s no question, who you know is critical on the list as well as mobility. Lots of people won’t move for various reasons, but if the opportunity is huge, and you’re in a position to relocate; roll with it.
As many previous posters have noted, The T will be the lead subject of many hours of analysis in business school curriculum on how to destroy a rock solid business in a mere 10 years. As for promotion....who wants I here ? Its like being in charge of the" left twix" factory...simply laughable.