No Promotion? Get Over It

So… you were so sure you were the next one in line for that promotion. Feeling confident, you began dreaming of a new life until you sense pinching fingers. Upon waking up you were told the chosen one was NOT you. Difficult to digest, to say the least.

The good news is that you CAN get through this. Let’s take a look at “twenty tips” to get you through a promotional disappointment:

1. The first day you find out. Calm down to begin with, you CANNOT change what happened.
2. Abstain from speaking to anyone right away or at least think twice about what you are going to say… who you are kidding!!! Think five times before you speak to anyone at your workplace.
3. Go to the restroom and wash your face with cold water, time to get the bad mood off your face.
4. Don’t behave resentfully.
5. Don’t shelter or focus on negative thoughts. This may be the perfect time to take a quick break, walking off the negativity.
6. It is expected your co-workers will ask and it is ok to say “This is disappointing, I really wanted it.”
7. Remember people won’t mind knowing you are disappointed. What everyone will mind is the endless whining about the rejected promotion. This makes you look BAD.
8. GO HOME and scream to the top of your lungs how much you wanted this, or speak to your other half or whomever you tell your things too (preferably no one from your workplace) and spill it out, talk about till you can talk no more.
9. Truth is, you will not be able to focus on an action plan YET, therefore DISTRACT yourself with a positive outlet.
10. Go to the gym and run, run, run till you drop for the next few weeks to clear your mind.
11. Ok… a few weeks have passed and everyone forgot about it and you should feel a bit better about it. LET’S MAKE AN ACTION PLAN!
12. Do a vision board! It’s fun and can re-ignite focus by placing yourself in the future. Career roadmaps are a proven method of getting back on track.
13. Ask yourself why do you want a promotion? Take for example, more pay, different responsibilities (more challenge), or a new career
14. Learn the goals of those who have a decision making role in your career.
15. Ask questions about the goals of the company but DON’T ask questions on “what are you doing for me.”
16. Focus in the future and PLAN on making things better.
17. See any career stumbling blocks as a learning opportunity.
18. Request a meeting with your manager and ask for a review. What can you improve on? Learn your weakness and strength on the job.
19. Start focusing on the things you need to improve on and TAKE ACTION.
20. “The brick wall is not there for you, is there for the ones who don’t want it” (Pausch, Randly 2007)

Believe in yourself! Good luck… I am confident the next one is yours.

Career disappointments are never easy. Unfortunately we have all experienced the wrong side of either not getting that promotion or not given the opportunity to prove ourselves. You are not alone… so get over it and get on with life.

Truth is, now is the time to refocus and walk with confidence. With a professional plan in hand, the road to success may be just one or two steps away.

Azalia C. Arias
Your CC Connection