Promotions at TDS tend to be arbitrary and at times inexplicable. I've seen a coworker with little relevant experience and relatively weak skills repeatedly promoted seemingly for having been in the right place at the right time a few years ago. As a telecom, TDS is used to monopolies and regulation, causing it to move slowly at best, and make some awkward marketing moves. Bureaucracy is the name of the game, and problem employees are never fired, reprimanded, or even confronted about poor work or bad behavior. The chain of command is very important, and decisions are made by middle-managers far from the issues at stake.