Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins has sparked debate in corporate circles by calling the practice of interviewing internal candidates for promotions "stupid." Speaking on TBPN, Robbins argued that sitting down with familiar employees for 30-minute interviews provides little value when managers can already observe their daily performance.

Robbins, who joined Cisco in 1997 as an account manager, believes every workday should be treated as an ongoing interview. His philosophy extends beyond individual ambition - he emphasizes that successful leaders must also prioritize their colleagues' success. Those solely focused on climbing the corporate ladder, he warns, are unlikely to reach the top.

The Cisco chief offers a practical test for promotion readiness: would your peers view your advancement as logical? If colleagues wouldn't celebrate your promotion or believe it's the right decision, Robbins suggests you're not quite ready. For aspiring executives, he stresses that emotional intelligence matters as much as technical expertise, particularly in technology companies where understanding both systems and people drives success.

Quick Fact: Chuck Robbins became Cisco CEO in 2015 after joining the company as an account manager in 1997.