When Mediocre Colleagues Fail Up and You Get Passed Over: How to Handle It Without Losing Your Drive

Let’s talk about a frustrating reality that many of us have faced at work: watching a colleague who seems, well, mediocre, climb the corporate ladder while you work hard, crush every project, and still feel invisible. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. It's not just annoying—it's demoralizing. The idea of "failing upward" is a real phenomenon, and when it happens, it can leave even the most dedicated employees questioning their own efforts.

But here’s the thing—you don’t have to let this situation derail you. There are ways to handle it, stay motivated, and keep your eye on the bigger picture. Ready to dive into how to deal with this maddening situation? Let’s break it down.

Why Mediocre Colleagues Fail Up

First off, let’s address the big question: how do these underperforming colleagues seem to keep failing upward? It doesn’t make sense at first glance, right? But when you dig a little deeper, it’s a common scenario in many organizations. The term “failing upward” refers to the phenomenon where individuals are rewarded with promotions or new opportunities despite not being particularly good at their jobs. It’s frustrating, but it happens for a variety of reasons.

According to a BBC article, sometimes, mediocre colleagues succeed because they’re good at playing office politics, not necessarily because they excel at their actual work (BBC, 2021). They might know how to schmooze with the right people or avoid blame when things go wrong. These individuals are often seen as "safe" choices for promotions because they don’t rock the boat or challenge the status quo. So while you’re focused on doing stellar work, they’re navigating the corporate system with finesse.

Another reason people fail upward is a concept known as “throwing corporate rebels under the bus.” In many organizations, those who question the norm or suggest bold changes (aka the top performers who think outside the box) can be seen as threats to the established order. As a result, companies sometimes reward mediocrity because it’s less risky than promoting someone who might push for innovation or disrupt the status quo (Rebels at Work, 2012).

The Emotional Toll of Being Overlooked

So what happens to top achievers when they keep getting passed over for recognition? The truth is, it’s not just frustrating—it can have a long-lasting emotional toll. When you consistently deliver high-quality work but don’t get acknowledged, it’s natural to feel discouraged. You start questioning whether your efforts are even worth it.

Rebel employees, or those who challenge norms and strive for excellence, often become disillusioned when they realize that the workplace doesn’t always reward merit. According to the Rebels at Work blog, corporate environments can sometimes reward those who fit into the mold, leaving rebels to feel undervalued (Rebels at Work, 2012).

Over time, top achievers may experience something that’s commonly referred to as “career fatigue.” You put in all this effort, but the lack of recognition makes it harder and harder to stay motivated. Eventually, even the most driven employees might find themselves pulling back, doing just the bare minimum, and losing the spark that once fueled their ambition. When this happens, top achievers can start blending into the background, becoming mediocre employees themselves. It’s not because they lack talent or drive; it’s because the system has worn them down.

Why Top Achievers Can Become Mediocre Employees

When you’re repeatedly overlooked, it can change how you approach your work. It’s tough to stay at the top of your game when you feel like no one is noticing your hard work or, worse, when you watch others get promoted despite doing less. Over time, this situation can create a downward spiral.

One of the most significant factors in this shift is demotivation. Research shows that employees who feel undervalued are more likely to disengage from their work (Boundless, 2021). This isn’t about being lazy—it’s a psychological response to being consistently overlooked. When there’s no reward for hard work, the brain starts to wonder, “What’s the point?”

As a result, top achievers might stop putting in the extra effort. They stop volunteering for the tough projects, they become less proactive, and they start to feel disconnected from the goals they once cared about. This doesn’t happen overnight, but gradually, top performers can find themselves in a rut, simply going through the motions.

How to Handle the Situation

So, how do you handle this when it’s happening to you? How do you keep from burning out or turning into one of those mediocre employees yourself?

1. Recognize That It’s Not About You

First, it’s important to recognize that when mediocre colleagues are rewarded, it’s not a reflection of your value or the quality of your work. Organizations have a lot of moving parts, and sometimes, the decisions that get made have more to do with politics, timing, or convenience than merit. So, take a step back and remind yourself that your worth is not defined by someone else’s promotion.

2. Play the Long Game

If you’re being passed over now, that doesn’t mean you always will be. Success in the workplace is often about playing the long game. Keep delivering excellent work, and over time, the right people will notice. The key is consistency. As tempting as it might be to pull back or give up, staying true to your work ethic is what will set you apart in the long run.

3. Build Strategic Relationships

It’s not about office politics; it’s about making sure you’re building connections with people who can support your growth. Seek out mentors, allies, and advocates within your organization who understand the value of your work and can help open doors for you. Building a network of supportive colleagues can make a huge difference when it comes to getting the recognition you deserve (BBC, 2021).

4. Advocate for Yourself

Don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself. Sometimes, hard work gets overlooked simply because no one is talking about it. If you’ve accomplished something great, let your manager know. Share your wins in a way that’s authentic but confident. This doesn’t mean bragging—it means making sure your contributions are visible.

5. Stay True to Your Values

It can be tempting to “play the game” when you see others being rewarded for mediocrity. But don’t lose sight of who you are. At the end of the day, your integrity, hard work, and values will be what define your career. Keep focusing on the work that matters to you, and don’t let the behavior of others dictate how you approach your job.

How to Avoid Becoming Mediocre Yourself

If you’ve been passed over time and time again, it’s easy to fall into the trap of becoming a disengaged employee. But there are ways to avoid this fate and keep your drive alive, even when recognition seems out of reach.

1. Set Personal Goals

When external recognition isn’t coming, focus on your own internal motivations. Set personal goals that challenge and excite you. These can be tied to skill development, creative projects, or even mentoring others. By creating your own benchmarks for success, you’ll find it easier to stay motivated.

2. Find New Ways to Add Value

Even if you feel like your current contributions aren’t being recognized, look for new ways to add value to your team or organization. This might mean volunteering for a different type of project, taking on a leadership role in a committee, or developing a new skill. Adding value in unexpected ways can help you stand out and reignite your passion for your work.

3. Take Care of Yourself

Workplace stress and frustration can take a toll on your mental and physical health. It’s important to take care of yourself outside of work. Make time for activities that bring you joy, reduce stress, and help you recharge. When you’re in a good place mentally, you’ll be better equipped to handle challenges at work.

4. Consider a New Opportunity

If you’ve tried everything and still find yourself stuck, it might be time to consider new opportunities. Sometimes, the best way to get the recognition you deserve is to find a new environment where your talents will be appreciated. Don’t be afraid to explore other options if your current job isn’t giving you the growth and recognition you need.

Final Thoughts: Keep Your Eye on the Bigger Picture

Watching mediocre colleagues fail upward while you’re passed over can feel unfair, frustrating, and demotivating. But remember—success isn’t always linear, and recognition doesn’t always come on your timeline. By focusing on your own goals, advocating for yourself, and staying committed to your values, you can navigate this challenging situation without losing your drive. Keep your eye on the bigger picture, and remember: your hard work will pay off in the long run. Take care out there, and keep leading with heart!

References

BBC. (2021). Failing up: Why some climb the ladder despite mediocrity. BBC Worklife. https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20210226-failing-up-why-some-climb-the-ladder-despite-mediocrity

Boundless. (2021). The corporate ladder: Navigating career growth. https://www.boundless.org/adulthood/the-corporate-ladder/

Rebels at Work. (2012). Techniques for throwing corporate rebels under the bus. https://www.rebelsatwork.com/blog/2012/02/07/techniques-for-throwing-corporate-rebels-under-the-bus