Promotion Blues

Dear Joan,
I'm an engineer with a large international manufacturing company. Even though I am well regarded technically by my peers and company management and I am being paid well above my grade level, I have been passed over for promotion several times. My performance reviews are always above average. When I ask what I'm doing wrong or what I need to do to get promoted I get no specific direction. Mostly I am told to be patient. I have been patient for seven years, while younger less experienced people have been promoted instead of me. I am feeling angry and frustrated. Is there anything can I do to improve my situation?
Jay J.

Dear Jay,
That is a tough one. Companies are like people, they have a personality or company culture. And like individuals we just don't click with everyone. It's not that there is any thing wrong with you or the other person or the company culture. There just may not be a great fit or connection.

Sometimes it is a matter that you have rubbed someone with influence the wrong way. Perhaps they have made negative comments about you or simply have been in a position to support someone else's advancement over yours.

In large companies it is helpful to develop mentors and champions. That is, influential individuals who are willing to take you under their wing and teach you how to navigate the political structure of the organization. Individuals who will champion your work and cause behind closed doors.

Many technical people tell me that they don't like politics and thus try to avoid it as much as possible. But politics are a fact of life and trying to avoid it simply takes you out of the game. Better to learn the rules, the players and how to play the game.

Although most people don't realize it, ALL JOBS ARE SALES JOBS! And successful sales internally or externally result from building strong relationships. It is important to work to help others be successful, provide true value, meaningful service and support for client departments. Then make sure that the people with influence know the contributions you have made.

Sometimes people get categorized. Whether it is true or not, or was true at one time but is different now may not matter. A perception about you may exist which you can not change. When that occurs there is often no alternative but to go elsewhere and get a fresh start.

Since no one seems willing to give you suggestions on how to improve or what fences you need to mend, you may have been categorized. Depending on how frustrated you are with the situation and how important a promotion is to you it may be time to look for a new environment.

Are You or a Friend Looking for a Job?

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Ruth, a financial executive, with a Masters in Accounting, a CPA, had been looking for a job for seven months. When she called, she said, “I just can’t seem to get past the gatekeepers.” I helped Ruth refocus and power up her resume. Together we created a networking strategy and 90 second personal commercial. Within 45 days Ruth had five interviews and two highly desirable job offers.

If you want to power up your resume, job search and interview skills, give me a call at 281-293-8864 or email me: joan@bolmer.com

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