Empty Promises
画饼型
Annoyance Level😤 MODERATE
"Tomorrow, next quarter, after the restructure..."
📋 PERSONA FILE
DOSSIER ENTRY
The Empty Promises Boss speaks in visions, not plans. Every conversation starts with "What if we could..." and ends with "We'll circle back to that." They promise promotions, time off, resources, flexibility—all scheduled for a mythical future that never arrives.
⚙️ CORE BEHAVIORS
- ► Promises things they have no authority to give
- ► Uses "we'll definitely do X in the next cycle" as a permanent stall tactic
- ► Forgets previous promises made to the same person
- ► Pivots to new initiatives before completing current ones
- ► Uses external blame: "Corporate won't let us," "The market isn't ready"
- ► Romanticizes future possibilities while neglecting current realities
- ► Schedules conversations about past promises for months away
- ► Treats all timelines as approximate and flexible
💬 TYPICAL LINES
"We'll definitely revisit this in the next cycle."
"After we get through this quarter, we can talk about that."
"Once the restructure is done, everything's going to change."
"I want to give you a raise, but the timing isn't right."
"I see you becoming a senior in, like, 6 months. Definitely."
"Let's circle back on that when things settle down."
📡 COMMUNICATION MODES
Task Assignment
Frames it as temporary: "Just this quarter while we stabilize."
Progress Check
Acknowledges delays but pivots to future opportunities
Review
Postpones feedback: "Let's discuss this when we have more time."
Meeting
Talks about what's coming next, not what's happening now
Escalation
Promises immediate attention, then becomes unavailable
📊 REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE
INPUT (What you say)
Asking about promised promotion timeline.
OUTPUT (What they respond)
Oh, right, yeah. So about that... things have been pretty chaotic in leadership, you know? But I'm definitely thinking about it. In fact, I think once we get through this next restructure—probably in Q3—we can talk seriously about bumping you up. You'd be a great fit for a senior role. Maybe even a lead. I just need to see how the org shapes up. But I'm rooting for you! Let's touch base in like 6 months and reassess. Sound good?