Some people get promoted because they're not good technically. It's called the Dilbert principle.
I once saw someone break prod twice in a quarter, so they moved him into management. No more prod to break.
Image: Dilbert, by Scott Adams
Jul 8, 2026 · 12:01 PM UTC
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It works, until your best people notice the title they're chasing is where you put the ones who weren't good in their role. That's the part that costs you.
Full law: lawsofsoftwareengineering.co…
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