Have you ever waited excitedly for a promotion, only to discover that it went to someone else? You’ve made a list of all you’ve contributed to the company and it would seem you had done enough to get yourself to the next level.
You may be angry, disappointed or embarrassed. But this can be a moment to stop and assess. What are the areas where you needed to focus more in order to win the promotion? What skills and experiences would you need to develop in order to land the next promotion?
Take some time to reflect calmly about your accomplishments and any deficits in preparation for approaching your boss. S/he may provide feedback that you were not expecting or that is hard to hear. They may reveal things about your performance and/or opportunities for improvement that surprise you. Listen carefully and be open to what they say.
If your boss does not volunteer much information, try asking more specific questions like “What skills/accomplishments did you consider when you were deciding about this promotion? ” or “What do you think I should focus on in the next six months?”
Do I Stay or Do I Go?
Finally, it would be natural to ask yourself whether you should stay or go. Why is being promoted important to you? Are you wanting a salary increase or a more prestigious title? Or a bigger budget and team? This analysis will help you decide whether to go or stay. If you decide to stay, you will need to commit to staying on track for your next promotion.
If you decide to leave, be sure to make a good choice for your next job and organization. Perhaps you will be valued more there and in line for your next promotion.
