< Back to newsletter

You were denied a promotion – now what?

Jul 16, 2024 | Navigating workplace dynamics, Quick Takes

Failing sucks. 😔

Forget the cringeworthy “fail forward” or “fail fast” language that permeates work culture.

For most people, failing can be devastating. 💔

But it doesn’t have to be. After all, failing is human.

Further, everyone fails at something at some point in their careers, so the real question is, “How will you handle failure?” With self-pity and spite or dignity and determination? 🤔

It’s your choice. 👈

Overcoming a promotion rejection can be an opportunity to learn something about yourself. To grow. To become clearer about what you really want. To reveal your character. (Unless you choose to wallow in your misery, which is a recipe for languishing.)

Here’s how to bounce back after being denied a promotion:

1. Manage your emotions. 😮‍💨 Hearing the news can trigger anger, outrage, or tears. Resist those urges at work when receiving disappointing news. Then, release and process your emotions with strenuous exercise, a walk with a friend, or journaling. Get it out. Don’t keep it trapped inside.

2. Understand the decision. 🧐 Ask about the process and how the decision was made. Was the promotion awarded to someone else, and if so, what were the criteria? Are there finite promotions being awarded, and will yours come in the next cycle? Has company leadership altered its promotion philosophies? If so, ask them to elaborate.

3. Seek feedback and support. 🤝 Use this moment to clarify performance gaps that your manager can share. Ask for specific examples. Then, ask, “Do I have your support to continue on this journey, working toward this promotion?” Ideally, your manager gives enthusiastic support. (Pro tip: If not, jump to step 8 or 10 on this list.)

4. Know your consolation prize. 🎁 Most managers are nervous and uncomfortable sharing bad news. Capitalize on this moment by knowing something else you may want: a new title, a shift to a new department, a stretch assignment, travel to a conference, or more flexible hours. Your conversation could go like this:

“This is disappointing news; however, I’m willing to work on your feedback. In the meantime, I’d like to attend the upcoming industry conference to [increase my knowledge of AI trends, source new vendors for our team, and build my interpersonal skills.] Will you approve the expense?”

5. Commit to your growth areas. 📈 Reflect on the feedback you’ve received and what you’re willing to accept and work on. Identify 3 or 4 growth areas and your plan for improving. What resources do you need? Who can you enlist for support? What projects do you need/want to be assigned to?

6. Follow up and align. ✅ Document the conversation with your manager with an email. Be gracious. Include the feedback you received and highlight the growth plan you’ve drafted. Ask for alignment (or the chance to review) and the opportunity to assess progress in 3 months. Ideally, this puts you on the path for the next promotion cycle, if not sooner.

7. Enlist champions. 💪 Everyone needs champions with influence in the company. Reach out to those individuals. Share your desire for upward mobility and reveal the growth areas you’re working on. Ask about their journey and for advice at your career stage.

8. Explore alternatives. 🔍 Internal champions have visibility to other roles in the company, so that’s another good reason to build relationships with them. Seek out team members or collaborators for insight about other paths available in the company. Your HR partner or Employee Success Team are avenues of support as well.

9. Build your hype sheet. 🌟Keep track of your wins and accolades. How have you made the work better? The team better? The company better? Contact your collaborators at the end of a project and ask for their feedback on your contribution. This will make preparing for your manager 1:1s or a performance review much easier. (Pro tip: keep track using Equipt Women’s Hype Sheet.)

10. Update your resume and LI profile. 📄 Even if you aren’t looking for a new job, keeping your resume and LinkedIn profile fresh is a good idea. If you don’t feel support from your manager and internal colleagues, then it’s clear you need to find a new opportunity. If you want live 1:1 assistance to showcase your expertise, tap into our Resume Revamp service, which has helped countless professionals shine.

Being denied a promotion is not a dead-end. It’s a temporary roadblock that can be overcome.

It’s up to you to choose how.

You’re equipt to bounce back,

Congratulations to Kirstein Mosley for winning last month’s book giveaway of “The Artist’s Way”! Package is on the way!

This month, we’re giving away a copy of the book “Wherever You Go There You Are.” Master teacher and thought leader Jon Kabat-Zinn provides an accessible approach for anyone who wants to be more present and less stressed.

To enter: