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Opportunities for advancement: "Excel instead of excellence": Three factors determine who makes it to the top in German companies

Many companies always promote the same types of people and leave the workforce frustrated. Experts explain the key mechanisms – and what needs to change.

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Opportunities for advancement: "Excel instead of excellence": Three factors determine who makes it to the top in German companies

A growing number of covert searches for top executives by recruitment consultants indicate that supervisory boards and entrepreneurs are losing confidence in their current leaders and are seeking replacements. According to Nicolas von Rosty, Germany head of Heidrick & Struggles, many managers are hesitant to make radical decisions due to crises, trade conflicts, and artificial intelligence.

A common practice in Germany, known as "Kaminkarriere," where executives rise through internal promotions within the same company, is being questioned as it may not prepare leaders for exceptional situations. Experts suggest that companies should consider external candidates and returnees for top positions to bring in more diversity, experience, and innovative power.

Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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