All content copyrighted and may not
be republished without permission.
Lee E. Meadows, PhD.
Professor of Management –
Authored: Silent Conspiracy
& Silent Suspicion
Denied promotion? Here’s how to find out why
In a recent series of conversations with people for whom a
promotion has been denied, the blame for this unlikely occurrence is usually
attributed to (1) their boss, (2) organizational politics or (3) the
organization itself. While there may be a strand of truth woven through all
three of these factors, and despite their protestations, accusations and
reverberations over a quiet drink or through a temperamental cell phone, it has
become increasingly clear that once the smoke finally dissipates from around
the cubicle, all of them failed to consider the most powerful influencer in
that promotion denying decision. When asked, “What was your role in allowing
that decision to be made?” the resulting blank stared hesitation speaks loudly
to what they haven’t thought about prior to launching a missile tirade on the
things they have thought about.
The competitive nature of today’s business environment
leaves little room for individually prolonged attempts at being successful. The
concept of ‘Zero Tolerance’ goes beyond a balance sheet, a manufacturing
process or a political speech, but speaks to the very heart of organizational
speed and self-determination. What do you
know about what you do or don’t do that keeps you from getting what you want? Self-delusion
is easy when the mirror isn’t cracked. Blaming others for individual
misfortune, while emotionally accommodating, does little to help move a person
forward.
In your personal world there are individuals who have been
observers of your behavior in which solicited feedback could prove to be a
helpful boost up the ladder of self-awareness.
- Question
to your closest friend, ‘What do I
do that might have prevented us from being friends?’
- Question
to a distant acquaintance, ‘What do
I do that has prevented us from being friends?’
- Question
to your boss, ‘What do I do that has
prevented me from being promoted?’
- Question
to your spouse, ‘What do I do that
would have kept you from marrying me?’
If there is any hint of a connection between these usually
reliable sources, then part of your ‘Why was I denied?’ question has been
answered. Mitigating factors aside, most managers would argue that their
decision to not promote someone had more to do with that individual’s undoing
than politics or a bolt of lightening.
The role of any responsible individual is to seek out
opportunities in the organization that assist personal and career interests.
While there are factors beyond your control, you can influence a decision if
you…
1.
Seek
assignments and alignments with colleagues with whom you can solicit honest
feedback. Have a conversation with someone who has no vested interest
in hurting you, but is close enough to tell you what they see. Being a part of
a challenging assignment that is seen through to completion will increase your
behavioral credit load threefold in most companies.
2.
Read
passages from the ‘tried and true’ and not just the ‘cute and ‘trendy’. As much as
many of the current readings allow for quick, cheesy solutions to everyday
performance issues, human behavior is far more complex than is superficially
presented. The autobiography of Henry Ford will tell far more about human
performance than any fifty page parable.
3.
Stop
wasting your educational reimbursement! Use it now! In case
you haven’t noticed, the job you’re currently working had a subtle change will
you were reading this article. The skill and knowledge needed also changed and
now your success is dependent on your continuous improvement and application of
contemporary knowledge. Higher education has a seat for you. Sit down and get
started!
4.
Find the
one obscure task that has been left hanging, pluck it and turn it into an
organizational success. Organizations are notorious for letting low hanging
fruit spoil on the branch. Many of the solutions sought are right there for the
taking, if you’re willing to put in a little extra time.
A set back in your career advancement does not mean eternal
confinement the organizational penalty box. However, like the penalized player
anxious to get back in the game, pay attention to what’s going on so that when
your number is called, you exactly what you need to do in order to contribute.