I wasn’t getting the promotion I felt I deserved, and had no clear path to get there. If the situation went on much longer, I felt I could become disengaged and a bit resentful.
That’s not good for anyone.
I had been working intensely for several years, getting great reviews.
My boss said I was setting the standard for everyone else. He said I had built the best team and a benchmark for our function.
So why wasn't I getting promoted?
When I asked about upgrading my job title and compensation, I received vague replies. “We’ll see.” Or, “Just keep doing what you’re doing.”
If you ask enough times, and give companies a reasonable timeframe, they show you what they’re willing to do as much by action as inaction.
I didn’t want to leave. I wanted the promotion.
But it wasn’t my choice. As my mentor Marshall Goldsmith says, “The person with the power makes the decision. Make peace with that.”
So I made peace with that.
After a couple of review cycles, I decided what I wanted wasn’t going to happen, and it was time to leave. I had achieved a lot and could take it elsewhere, with more potential. I gave plenty of notice and presented a transition plan. It went so well, when I left my boss gave me double my bonus. I took a much-needed sabbatical to connect with my family.
And guess what? I clinched a C-suite role the next time around. Icing on the cake.
That’s why I was delighted when Harvard Business Review asked me to respond to a question from their readers: Ask an Expert: Why Am I Not Getting Promoted? I shared my personal and professional experience to explain the various reasons why this happens, and how you can approach the situation if you or friends find yourselves in a similar situation. My article addresses:
➡️ How do I deal with the anxiety around promotions? ➡️ What should I do to gain more constructive feedback on what I can do to improve myself for a promotion? ➡️ How do I know if I should be more patient about a promotion, or move on? Take a read and I look forward to your thoughts and ideas.
To Your Success!
Amii
P.S. Speaking of accelerating your career, I’m running a Goodreads promotion for the next month — a giveaway of three signed copies of the Promotability Index® Guidebook. Great for you or gift to a friend! Enter by December 12 to win here.
