Choose the Right Path for Career Success
You've been passed over for a promotion.
This isn't the first time someone else got the job you wanted.
You have no idea why this happened.
You're at a crossroads where you have a choice to make. You can blame your manager or take control and figure out what changes you need to make to prevent this from happening again.
Most people at this crossroad will choose the path of least resistance. They'll blame their boss, their company, or even the employee who received the promotion. After all, that's easy to do.
However, the problem with this approach is that it will get you nowhere.
If you want to go somewhere, then choose the path that will ensure the next promotion goes to you, even if this means changing behaviors that are holding you back.
Follow these steps to position yourself for a promotion.
Consider working with a coach. Coaches are impartial people who will tell you what you need to hear rather than what you want to hear. Admittedly, the feedback may be challenging to swallow. However, as you work with your coach, you will quickly see the errors in your way, allowing you to make course corrections rapidly.
Check with your manager to see if they'd be willing to invest in a coach for you. If they cannot, consider hiring your own coach, as there is no better investment than investing in yourself.
Meet with your boss. Acknowledge your disappointment in hearing the news and ask your boss for guidance on what skills you need to acquire or fine-tune to be promoted. Suggest monthly check-ins to ensure you're making progress.
Take detailed notes during your meeting so that you can summarize what you've mutually agreed upon. Following the meeting, email this summary to your boss so you're both on the same page.
Work on building strong relationships with influencers in your organization. It may surprise you that managers may be one of many involved in promotion decisions. Their boss and leaders in other departments may be asked for their input. If you don't have a favorable relationship with these people, and your co-worker does, the job will go to them.
Here are some suggestions on how you can start to build a relationship with influencers.
When you meet, look around their office. Do you see sports memorabilia on their desk? A book that happens to catch your eye? Before getting down to business, ask a question or two to engage them in conversation. You might say, "I see you have a signed baseball on your desk. Did you play baseball in college?" Or, "I see you're reading [name of book]. What do you think of the book so far?"
No doubt, they'll then ask you a question that will help them get to know you.
Here are some questions you can ask if you happen to bump into one of these people in the kitchen:
- I noticed you mentioned a new project in the last team meeting. How's that going? Is there anything I can do to help out?
- I've wanted to learn more about [relevant department or initiative]. Do you have any advice on how I can get involved or learn more?
- I'm interested in learning more about the work your team does. Would you be open to grabbing coffee sometime to discuss it further?
The key is to ask questions that show genuine interest in the other person, their work, and your own growth and development. Avoid asking for favors or complaining about issues. Keep it positive, brief, and focused on building rapport. With practice, these casual interactions can strengthen relationships over time.
At the crossroads of disappointment and opportunity, the choice is yours.
You can wallow in self-pity and blame, or you can seize control of your career and take the necessary actions to secure your next promotion. The path forward may not be easy, but it is the one that will lead you to the success you deserve. Commit to the hard work, seek out the guidance you need, and watch as your career trajectory shifts in your favor.
