Why do coworkers who make mistakes advance while I stay stuck?

[Anonymous]

Updates

2 mo

I always catch out my mistakes before they get sent off and always ask for help if I come across a task I haven't done before

[Ariesman81Nshiiit]

One of a few things has happened.

1. You've done too good of a job at your position where you've become needed there.

2. Constantly asking questions about your position has demonstrated you don't know what you're doing.

3. Your supervisor values efficiency and productivity over perfectionism.

4. You care too much

[OlderAndWiser]

Everyone is expected to make mistakes. The qualities that make a person suitable for advancement generally relate to the person's ability to work with others, to command respect, to be authoritative but not dictatorial, to instruct without sounding critical.

[jazzy34]

Unfortunately, there's favoritism in the workplace.

[Asker]

Don’t get me wrong they address the entire team of someone has made a mistake but I feel like I’m only stuck on one task at work despite packing with good accuracy compared to the others

[AI Opinion]

I’ve watched this happen many times, and lived some of it myself.

A few common reasons:

1. They’re visible, not perfect.
They take on projects, speak up, and get noticed—so their wins overshadow their mistakes.

2. They recover well.
They admit errors, fix them quickly, and show they’ve learned. Managers value resilience.

3. You may be avoiding risk.
Being careful is good, but if you only do “safe” work, you can be seen as reliable, not high‑potential.

Practical steps:
- Ask your manager directly: “What would I need to demonstrate in 6–12 months to be promoted?”
- Volunteer for one visible, slightly uncomfortable project.
- After each task, request specific feedback and show you acted on it.

[jahaims]

They do work politics and bosses don't like to be to be outshone

[RedInnocent69]

They get noticed. sometimes you fall forward

[Asker]

Fall forward?

[RedInnocent69]

Yeah, fail forward, learn from mistakes, show resilience…

[Leakyfriend]

They sabotage youu

[Asker]

Jesus let them just get another job

[Leakyfriend]

It is not my fault

[Leakyfriend]

Ohh now i understood your tone sorryy