Overlooked for promotion, Again!
Ever since I expressed interest in becoming a department supervisor last year I’ve been taking on more responsibilities, working more hours, and volunteering for extra job assignments to prove myself. My manager at that time was also mentoring and training me and I felt confident that I was a lock for the next manager opening. This year we got a new department manager and I was assured he would be made aware of my training and career goals. Today I found out that a new manager position was offered to an outside applicant with more experience and a college background. I feel totally betrayed and mislead. How should I approach management about this decision?
Don't get discouraged. Keep up your work ethic, diligence and willing to accomplish all assignments. You showed you are able to handle more responsibilities, intellectual capability and confidence. De facto you are not a manager, but de juro you are. At least the new position is offered to a person that has more experience and educational background. It makes you to feel better. Think about promoting people without experience, professionalism, personal ethic, and at all college background while you are an outstanding employee. If you see things are not working in the direction you expect try to find another job. Don't feel betrayed. You are not the only one suffering in this life. Good luck!!!!
This is unfortunate but typical behavior of a new manager. This person is trying to be a "shining star" to his boss too. He may be trying to take the department in a different direction or even bringing his own people into the company to make improvements to his department. He clearly doesn't want to do things the old way. You can either try to get on board with this new manager and his vision or maybe ask for a transfer to another department. This kind of thing is never easy but if it is a company you like working for, try to stick it out. Good luck!
Don't approach them at all. They know your job history and knowledge. If they wanted you to have the position, you would. You not receiving the position doesn't mean that you will never have the position. It's just not your time. Be patient, have faith in whatever being you may, worship, pray to or believe in. Your time will come.
Ugh, always sad when that happens. The problem seems to have occurred with your new manager - were they aware of your goals? Either way, did you ask for the promotion? Literally? If you want a promotion, ask for it. If they deny you, ask why. Maybe it was the lack of a college degree, maybe it was just they wanted an outsider. But at least you will know, and THEY will know you want to work towards a promotion and your are not volunteering for extra work because you are bored, so to speak. If you did not communicate your intentions, they cannot read your mind!
Jason
Unfortunately management has made their decision and I completely understand why you would feel mislead and betrayed. The first step is to remove the assumption that your hard work and the goals you were attempting to achieve were communicated. So, start by requesting a meeting with the management to make them aware of what your goals are and request that a formal action plan for your training and the requirements to achieve the advancement you want be put in writing.
If they agree to do so then the issue was with management communicating and not the work you did. The other thing this does is give you a clear agreed upon target to shoot for that is documented and can be tracked
Finally, I would recommend getting the formal job description for the position you want from HR. That way you can see if there is anything you lack for an educational, management responsibilities point of view.
Don't let your frustration and disappointment cause you to lose sight of your goal use it to fuel you achieving them.
Thats a tough break Jason but don't get discouraged yet. There are lots of unknown factors and circumstances around corporate hiring and promoting decisions. That probably wasn't the right leadership opportunity for you but your still on the short list. Stay positive but talk to management about other learning opportunities to help make you and effective manager.
Yes . It happened to me , for 12 years. Unfortunately, I was directly lied to each time about the job being "mine" by the supervisor himself. Take it in stride, and don't do extra things, or 'work better' on any one given day..... Work that way ALL THE TIME. and remember, some day you may be put in the position of making a choice between two Employees for a job..........No promises..........