Navigating Career Setbacks: When Overlooking Becomes a Pattern

While being overlooked once can be chalked up to timing or circumstance, when it becomes a recurring pattern, it signals deeper issues within the workplace or how you are perceived within the organization. This article explores how professionals can navigate career setbacks and what to do when overlooking becomes a pattern in the workplace.

1. Reflect on the Bigger Picture

When career setbacks become more frequent, it’s important to reflect on the bigger picture. Why is this happening repeatedly? Is there a pattern to when and how you’re being overlooked? Are the same people consistently chosen for opportunities? Is there a specific department or role that seems inaccessible?

For example, in an Indian IT firm, Lakshmi, a mid-level manager, noticed that despite her qualifications and years of experience, a small group of younger, less experienced employees were consistently chosen for promotions. After some reflection, she realized that the company had shifted its focus to a new department and these employees were part of that division. Understanding this broader context helped Lakshmi position herself for future roles that aligned with the company’s evolving strategy.

2. Address the Perception Gap

In some cases, being repeatedly overlooked is not due to a lack of skills but rather a perception gap between how you see yourself and how the organization views you. For instance, you might see yourself as a strategic leader, but the organization still views you as a technical expert. Bridging this perception gap is critical for breaking the cycle of being overlooked.

In a large manufacturing company in Pune, Manoj, an operations manager, was repeatedly passed over for executive roles despite his consistent track record. He sought feedback and discovered that while his operational skills were highly valued, senior management didn’t view him as a strategic thinker. By taking on cross-functional projects and showcasing his strategic thinking, he was able to shift the perception and eventually secured the executive role.

3. Work on Self-Promotion Strategically

In many cases, being overlooked is a result of not promoting yourself effectively within the organization. Indian corporate culture often discourages blatant self-promotion, but there are ways to do it strategically without coming across as boastful.

For example, in a MNC, a young brand manager named Sameer realized that while his peers were regularly updating leadership on their project progress, he was quietly working without highlighting his achievements. By adopting a more proactive approach and regularly sharing updates in a concise, results-driven format, he increased his visibility and was soon considered for more significant roles.

4. Focus on Skill Enhancement and Visibility

Sometimes, you might be overlooked simply because your skill set is no longer aligned with the evolving needs of the company. In such cases, it’s important to continuously upskill and enhance your knowledge. But skill enhancement alone isn’t enough—you need to ensure that your new skills are visible to the right people.

In an Indian e-commerce company, Neeraj, a backend developer, realized that he was being overlooked for leadership roles because the company was moving towards a cloud-based infrastructure, and his skills were becoming outdated. Neeraj took the initiative to enroll in cloud certification courses and started contributing to cloud-based projects within the company. This not only increased his value but also showcased his adaptability, leading to his promotion.

5. Build Allies and Mentors

In cases where overlooking becomes a pattern, it’s crucial to build a network of allies and mentors within the organization. These are people who can advocate for you when opportunities arise and who can offer guidance on how to navigate internal politics.

For instance, in an Indian conglomerate, Smita, a senior HR executive, had consistently been overlooked for leadership roles despite her extensive experience. She sought mentorship from a senior executive within the company, who provided her with insights into the company’s decision-making processes and helped her navigate internal challenges. This mentorship was pivotal in securing her promotion to a leadership role.

Conclusion: Breaking the Cycle of Being Overlooked

When being overlooked becomes a pattern, it’s important to take proactive steps to break the cycle. By addressing the perception gap, promoting yourself strategically, enhancing your skills, and building a network of allies, you can ensure that your value is recognized and that you are positioned for future opportunities.