How do you decide whom to promote amongst a team of five with only 2 positions available?

by performance , who achieved the goals according to the set criteria

I try to follow the following decision making criterion, Performance, capability and capacity, attitude and value adding. Dont let personalities dictate choice, too often i have seen hardworking dedicated staff overlooked because they werent social buddies. 

I'd consider each individual's competencies and potential to add value in the new role, as well as their past performance, rank the 5 and pick the top 2.

Make a list of what you are looking for, what you can exempt, top most priorities, now according to this check list make preliminary essentials which one have the most relevancy as per your requirement. Further you can set criteria such as academics, experience, passion etc

If you want to choose from 5 applicants for 2 vacancies, depending on the job requirement, if you need more experience than skill, more than two experience is selected. If the job requires more skill than experience, the most skilled , And if there is one who combines the two qualities, then it is chosen first.

In my work reality, I would answer the ones that speak better English!  :)

But answering the question, I would choose the ones that were more dedicated for their tasks (even if had success or not), the ones that are more motivated and the ones that are positive influencers through the group.

I've found that if one is fair in judging who Gives maximum output in the team and recognizes it the rest of the team mostly have no objections. Such people generally:

• understand in minimum words
• don't need reminders 
• don't have too many questions
• Once they come to you with an answer, it covers all the possible facets of the question/task.
• liked by other members of team as they are helpful
• keep increasing their knowledge related to their task

Aside from performance evaluation which are normal basis for promotions, need to check the nominees as motivated, creative, a team player and most of all 2 employees among who have been loyal to the company, thank you.

I would put a criteria of evaluation which will be a result of a number of achievements/challenges.  Then I will decide who goes where.

its so easy to find just judge the team who is doing best and very well.The main thing is to judge the sympathy,Honesty ,Care and hhelpfully.

Thanks for the Invitation.

Seniority matters in taking such a decision, but promotions should not be soley dependant on years of experience, however other factors required to take the correct decision should include:

1- Does the employee refelect the organization's values

2- Achievement towards agreed upon targets and goals

3- Organizational behaviour

4- Potential for growth and a clear demonstrated high level of responsibility

5- Need for the promotion