Fail Up
To be promoted despite failure
Example
It's amazing how Ashton keeps failing up. I'll be surprised if he's not VP soon
Related Slang
Fail | Failure |
Bomb | To fail |
FUCT | Failed under continuous testing |
CEO | Chief executive officer |
COO | Chief operating officer |
MD | Managing Director |
BAU | Business as usual |
Workers who fail up are promoted despite constant mediocrity or failure. Failing up is a fairly common phenomenon in the business world - so common, in fact, that there's a slang term to describe it.
Those who fail up are likely sociable, confident, charming, and seemingly hard-working - all qualities that cover up their tendency to fail or misstep. They may also be skilled at spinning their failures as successes (or at least, as opportunities to grow).
Of course, not every worker who has failed and is later promoted is failing up in a negative sense. Sometimes, people fail at things, learn, and do truly come out better for it - ready to achieve greater success.