Promotions are not rewards for what you have done; they are challenges for what you are expected to do!

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 14:25:05 -0400

Have you ever been motivated by such a philosophy? Do you think it is worthwhile to start promoting it?

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Sep 19 at 2014 2:28 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 14:28:09 -0400

Agree. Promotions are based on your potential ability to peform at the next level. It's already expected that you are competent to do the job at your current level. That is why the "potential" statement is one of the most important parts of OER/NCOER. As I have constantly been told, when you reach your potential is when you stop being promoted.

Response by SSG Michael Hathaway made Sep 19 at 2014 5:51 PM

SSG Michael Hathaway — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 17:51:33 -0400

SGM Coberly, I absolutely agree with that statement, to a degree. Promotions are a reward for your accomplishments and dedication, but they should be more a statement of challenges for the future. I recently got a lateral promotion to CPL and took charge of my section as best as I could with the resources at hand. Now I have earned my hard stripes, and that isn't stopping me from moving forward. I know this isn't my plateau. I will push myself to earn my way to the next level.

Sadly, I have seen many people get promoted and desire to languish in their new role with little to no motivation to rise up to the next level. I think this may be what is wrong with many organizations, military and civilian (as I have seen it in both sectors).