Harvard Business Review LogoJanuary 6, 2026sakchai vongsasiripat/Getty ImagesThey’re one of your best people—a director who’s been instrumental to your success. They’re seasoned, strategic, and ready for more. But there’s nowhere for them to go. No opening at the executive table, no clear path up, and no lateral moves look promising either. How do you help someone find the next step when the obvious one doesn’t exist? What conversations should you be having? And how do you keep them from checking out in the meantime?
When There’s Nowhere to Promote a Star Employee
Your rising star expects a promotion. It feels inevitable: the rightful reward for their effort. The problem is you can’t deliver it. Managing the gap between their expectations and reality is one of the hardest parts of leadership, and it’s becoming more common. There are six strategies to try to ensure your star employee feels like their career is still moving forward: 1) Be upfront; 2) Listen; 3) Ask questions; 4) Make a plan; 5) Advocate where you can; and 6) be vigilant.
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