Overcoming Setbacks: Finding Growth After a Missed Promotion

Being passed over for a promotion never feels good, especially when feel you were the most qualified for the position. Many times, this can leave us feeling unnoticed, less than, and in question about our career path. Today, I’d like to provide some strategies to help gain perspective, and hopefully reinforce your self-confidence for your next steps in the journey ahead.

First things first, take some time to acknowledge what just happened. A lot of times when I’m looking forward to something, I start to envision myself after the win. So, if you’re anything like me, you’ve already allocated your new salary, and maybe you’ve even designed your new office space. Allow yourself to feel the disappointment but avoid letting it diminish your self-worth. As much as our work is a large part of our life, it can’t define your entire being. This is a learning experience, and something can be gained from it.

Secondly, before completely obsessing over everything you did wrong, gather all the information. Someone else was chosen and that’s okay. When the time is right, it may be beneficial to ask a supervisor what areas you can grow in to strengthen your chances in the future for a promotion. The transparency you receive may also let you know that your time with this organization has come to an end. If upward mobility is what you’re after, and you now understand this is not an option for you, this gives you the clarity you need to start shaping your next move. Use this opportunity to receive constructive feedback and be open about the information you are receiving; it has the possibility of being beneficial in your current role and in the future.

Now that you’ve gathered your thoughts and some information, create a personal development plan. What areas do you need to grow in? What competencies do you need to work on? These questions can be asked during a conversation, but you also need to be able to answer these questions clearly. Once you’re able to identify these skills, set clear, achievable goals that you can measure.

Lastly, focus on re-building your confidence and look ahead with purpose. Say it with me, “a job does not define my worth.” Recognize your own personal growth, even if it seems incremental. Stay motivated that the right opportunity will come, and when it does, you’ll be ready for it. If you don’t believe there are still great opportunities ahead, it will be hard to step into one. Trust your ability to take setbacks as a story towards your comeback and keep proving to yourself what you’re capable of. ??