Having influential mentors or high-profile bosses can significantly aid ambitious professionals aiming for C-suite positions. However, new research reveals potential downsides to such relationships. An analysis of 179 NBA head coaches over four decades showed that those with connections to legendary figures were often shielded from negative repercussions when they underperformed. Conversely, their overperformance was less recognized than peers without such connections. This research found similar biases among 500 working professionals, suggesting that performance evaluations could be skewed by association, impacting long-term career outcomes.
"Researchers studied the careers of 179 NBA head coaches over four decades, discovering that those who had previously worked under industry icons were more likely to be shielded from consequences when they underperformed."
"When prestige-by-association shapes evaluations, actual performance can be overlooked, and high expectations can lead to biases that impact long-term career success."
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