What do you do if your colleagues are undermining your chances of promotion?

1 Assess Situation

Before jumping to conclusions, it's important to objectively assess the situation. Gather concrete examples of behaviors that you believe are undermining your chances. Are colleagues taking credit for your work, spreading misinformation, or excluding you from important meetings? Understanding the specifics will help you determine if these actions are intentional or perhaps a misunderstanding. It's essential to separate personal feelings from facts; this will guide your response and ensure it's appropriate and effective.

2 Seek Feedback

Once you've assessed the situation, seek feedback from trusted mentors or peers. Their outside perspective can provide valuable insights into whether your concerns are valid and how to approach the issue. They might offer advice on improving your visibility within the company or strategies for documenting your accomplishments. This step is not about rallying allies but gaining a clearer understanding of your workplace dynamics and how you can navigate them.

3 Open Dialogue

If the evidence suggests your colleagues' actions are deliberate, consider initiating a calm and professional dialogue with them. Approach the conversation with a focus on your shared goals for the company and express how their actions are impacting your work. Avoid accusations; instead, use "I feel" statements to convey your perspective. This approach can lead to a better understanding and possibly resolve the issue without escalating it.

4 Document Everything

Maintaining a record of your accomplishments, as well as any undermining actions by colleagues, is crucial. Documenting everything provides you with a clear narrative of your contributions and the challenges you're facing. This can be invaluable if you need to discuss the situation with HR or your supervisor. It also serves as a professional way to highlight your achievements when discussing potential promotions.

5 Involve Management

If direct dialogue doesn't lead to a change, it may be time to involve your manager or HR. When doing so, present your documented evidence and focus on how the situation is affecting the team's performance and your professional growth. It's important to remain objective and professional, seeking a solution that benefits both you and the company.

6 Build Alliances

Finally, focus on building positive relationships with other colleagues and stakeholders in the corporate real estate sector. Having a network of supporters can counterbalance any negative actions and provide you with additional opportunities to showcase your skills. Engage in team projects, offer help when needed, and share credit generously. These actions can help you build a reputation as a collaborative and valuable team member, which is critical for career advancement.