Leadership promotions often reflect personal proximity over performance. There’s a clear trend: individuals from the same background, frequently local, male, and alumni of a specific Christian college continue to rise, regardless of experience or outcomes. Meanwhile, higher-performing employees outside that circle are overlooked or let go.
The result is a culture where privilege, not merit drives advancement. This erodes morale, discourages diverse talent, and creates a cycle where the same perspectives dominate decision-making, often with poor results.