Getting passed over for a promotion can be highly upsetting. However, the best way to cope is to keep the ego in check. By letting go of resentment or blaming others, you will be able to turn the table and move forward much more quickly. Occasionally, you may feel defeated in a situation like this, but there are ways to keep pushing your career forward. Read on to learn more from an industry expert, with actionable steps you can take if you've been passed over for a promotion. This article will equip you to recover from this minor setback, and move forward with a positive growth mindset to succeed in your professional life.
1- Have the Discussion
First, you'll want to find out why you were passed over. If you're not sure what the reason is, you may need to get some background information from a trusted colleague. Whether or not you should bring up the topic with your boss can also vary, but in the event you do, you should be prepared for a tough discussion. At this time, you can ask for actionable KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) for you to reach. It’s always best to translate goals into tangible numbers to lay out a clear road map of areas to improve your skills and performance. You’ll be able to clearly define the gap between your current skill set and where you need to be to earn that promotion.
2- Understand Why the Other Person Was Chosen
Make sure you stay open-minded. Learn to be humble by being curious and asking questions. It is imperative to understand why that person was chosen and how they are better than you as far as soft/hard skills, tenure, leadership, etc., is concerned. Also, determine what the company is looking for in those they promote. Sometimes our ego blinds us from management’s perspectives and being intentional to become the best possible candidate when we wrongfully assume that we are the obvious choice.
3- Don’t Hold Grudges
Positive thinking can only be achieved when you adjust your thoughts and train yourself to disregard any knee-jerk emotional reactions. Be proactive, have a good sportsman spirit, and congratulate the winning candidate. This can help you understand which of their qualities helped them achieve their goals. Take the time to learn more about their background and what made them stronger candidates, and the new roles, projects or initiatives that they will be responsible for. Make sure you send a thank-you note to the hiring manager for your consideration as well. In the future, you might be able to get a promotion if you ask the hiring team for feedback and take tangible steps towards professional development.
Of course, it goes without saying that when you're dealing with rejection, it's a good idea to avoid posting about this situation on social media, even indirectly. As always, it’s best to keep your personal social media accounts entirely separate and private from your work accounts.
4- Self Assess & Analyze
Once the initial emotions subside, ask yourself: "Did I do everything I could to ensure I received this promotion?" Is that the case, or did you simply assume this promotion would be yours and leave the rest to past achievements? You should determine which actions contributed to this decision and what you could have done differently. Then, when you're ready, talk to your employer about your thoughts. The next step can then be decided from there, and your proactive attitude to improve will not go unnoticed.
5- Devise a Plan
Each of us will experience moments of disappointment throughout our careers. However, it is not the negative experience that defines your career and professional trajectory—it is how you respond to these situations that will determine your value. Let yourself feel sadness or frustration for a short while (privately), then develop a plan. First, determine if there was anything you were missing or could have done better.
Are there numbers that can back up your case, or does the data illustrate your areas for improvement? In the next stage, decide how you will grow with the help of a mentor or coach. It's important to continue moving forward, not to dwell on disappointment.
Keeping the mantra of “kaizen” or continuous improvement, is a great mindset that will prevent you from becoming “hung up” on previous failures. Failure is an inevitable part of the journey, and it’s how you respond to failure that defines who you are as a professional.
6- Be Proactive
The window of opportunity is already closed if you wait until you are passed up for the promotion. For your name to be considered for the next promotion, ask your manager what accomplishments they are looking for. You may want to send them a follow-up email confirming your KPIs to have it in writing. Position yourself as next in line for a promotion by defining then achieving your goals.
7- Polish Your Skills
Learn constructively what the key skills and perception gaps were if you were passed over for a promotion, and then improve in these areas. As a leader, you must demonstrate increased value, strategy, and collaborative skills. Being well-prepared for the next opportunity that arises in an organization is imperative since roles may open up as others leave. Be keen to take on new responsibilities and expand your skill set—though you do not want to overpromise and under-deliver, or take on too much at once. Ensure your current responsibilities are met before expanding your value and reach within the organization.
8- Find a Mentor
Often, people end up stuck in their jobs because they rely on comfort—however, this leads to complacency. Moving up in the business world requires continually improving your set of skills, and you must be eager to "level up" as new opportunities arise. Coaches and mentors can teach you these skills, so you'll be the one seen leading!
9- Improve Professional Relationships
You can meet with a high-level individual within the organization and ask for their guidance. Not only will this present you in a positive light to others, but this is also an excellent method for you to connect with your peers on a professional level. Here, you can determine how you want to improve your skill set and how you can demonstrate your value in the coming months.
Another option could involve working closely to help a more senior colleague on various projects, where you could potentially receive an internal recommendation down the road. Ensure you are approaching this from a place of willingness to help, rather than simply to earn a promotion. Your impact on the company’s bottom line and the efficiency of your team will become apparent with time.
10- Develop Soft Skills
As you climb the corporate ladder, political savviness becomes increasingly important. The concept encompasses many areas, including your self-perception and how others perceive you.
Furthermore, you can learn whether you have supporters who will stand by you and if you fit in well with others. Knowing how to handle diplomatically difficult situations and personalities, including power relationships and unspoken rules can be difficult. Work with a career coach in Vancouver to develop these skills in a practical training environment with real-time feedback.
11- Ensure a Great Performance Review
If you want to be considered for a promotion and get picked, your performance reviews will have a significant impact. Employers will review your entire human resources record. So be proactive and collaborate with your manager. Your supervisor should be able to advise you on improving your weaknesses if you have a rocky start at the company. Additionally, you should highlight your plans for continuous growth. Maintain a good working relationship with your teammates and management. Positive behaviour and a team-first attitude can play a crucial role in ensuring good reviews when the time comes.
Is it Time for a Career Switch?
However, office politics sometimes win against good reviews, skill sets, and performance. That could be a sign that you should consider other career opportunities. If you feel it's time to start job hunting, take some time to think about what fits you best in terms of the type of job you want and the organization to work for. Be discreet about your search for a new job within your company, and continue putting your best foot forward while still employed. Leave the bitterness for venting with friends on a night out, rather than allowing it to seep into your professional work.
In order to proceed with the next step of your career, you will need to hand in your resignation letter once you have received an offer elsewhere. Your career may be at risk of plateauing if you haven't received a promotion after five years of working in the same role. The best way to get noticed is to either change your strategy, update your resume and LinkedIn profile, or work with a reputable provider for career counselling in Vancouver.
To truly stand out from the competition, a Career Coach can work with you on improving your leadership skills and revising your resume. Choosing a career path is not easy, but if you approach it with an open mind and clearly defined goals, you will make the right decision.
Career Counselling Services in Vancouver
Losing out on a promotion can be a devastating experience. It can leave you feeling a little bitter and discouraged. However, it can also be a time to learn more about yourself, develop new skills, and rethink your career path. It may be time to consider career counselling. It may be possible to find a better position elsewhere if your job is truly a dead end—developing your skills and doing your research will help you advance your career.
With over 15 years of experience in management and leadership, I provide career counselling services in Vancouver for professional women. If you are frustrated with your current career and looking to advance with practical advice and training, I will help you define a new path forward.
Contact me today at 604-818-7626 for a FREE consultation!
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