To winder if asking for a promotion can be a detriment to ones position within an organisation?

[Carlie97]

I work really bloody hard. I never switch off really. Constant work, work, work and the stress that comes with it. I'm a junior manager and my workload is more than a few of the managers who are the next level up. I'm never recognised for my work and thought it's about time I was. My work does reflect that of what a manager would do in my profession.

I asked the ceo in an email about the prospect of changing my title and level to reflect my responsibilities and input and made it very clear I don't expect a payrise. There isn't the money for it. I wrote a great email outlining why I wanted to be considered for the above. The ceo's response has made me decide not to pursue it. I have been very down about it all day.

Can asking for a promotion before being offered one be to the detriment of the employee?

A few things occur to me reading your OP

asking for a promotion but stating you don't want any extra money makes no sense at all. The message you're giving is give me as much work as you like so I work all the hours god gave, but I don't want you to pay me because I'm a charity, I don't know my worth and I'm a people pleaser. To which they will say "yes please, thanks for your kind offer to be our slave"

asking for a promotion in name only is meaningless.

if you are getting plenty of experience and feel ready to take on more responsibility then look for an actual job vacancy at the next level up, that's the only way, because they have the vacancy and the budget to support it. Don't burn yourself out, nobody will notice and will keep expecting more.

Yes. Apply for actual jobs and know your skills and your worth. Many people work hard but the key is your skills.

The job title and level up would be worth it though without the pay increase. It would be acknowledging what I do is that of a manager.

If you’re already a manager, then your pay should reflect that.

I agree that you have sold yourself short, if you are doing more work than is expected of you at your currently, then you should either be paid accordingly or not be doing the additional work.

What did the CEO say in response?

How would that be worth it?

I'd have the job title I deserve. My title now sells what I actually do very short. It doesn't show off my skills and knowledge.

What did the CEO say? Was s/he against the idea or was it more of a woolly 'I'm not sure if now is the right time'?

Bear in mind that if you got promoted without a payrise, it might upset all the relativities for that grade which might be a reason that it's not on offer.

What does your line manager think?

Is the CEO your line manager?

Well, if the job title is what you feel is important to you more than the money, that's the main thing. However, that's not a promotion, it's a job title change. I wouldn't be content with that but I'm not you.

The ceo's response has made me decide not to pursue it. I have been very down about it all day.

so the CEO said they wouldn't change your job title? What is it that you're no longer pursuing, it isn't clear from what you've said.

are you early in your career, because you sound quite naive if you think the role title someone has on their tally makes any difference to their career progression. It doesn't. It the responsibilities you take on, at the level you are paid.

the CEO wouldn't change your role title because it would have implications on remuneration within the pay structure.

if you have too much work at your current level, or if your responsibilities are beyond your contract of employment, you ought to push back.

Well all this probably stems from going to the CEO rather than your line manager. Not a
good decision and a major issue

I found moving organisation is the best way to progress which is short sighted in the eye of the organisations you currently work for but they dont value good employees till you decide to go. They want 110% for as little money and benefits (IME)
BUT asking for a job title and role change with no extra money- I am sorry to say this but have more respect for yourself!! You say you work bloody hard you have good output your salary vs productivity is probably very good!! But to say dont give me any more money! No!

Start looking elsewhere for pay and job title that reflects your skills!

Really, when the ceo makes the decision anyway?

Is the CEO your line manager? Did you even talk to your line manager about it? I'm not surprised if their answer has been dismissive if you've just randomly emailed the head honcho out of the blue with a bit of a nonsensical request. In many professions titles are very much linked to pay grades - so to want a promotion in name but in no other way seems bizarre to me if I am honest. Unless you're wanting to apply for a new job elsewhere in the next five minutes and want to put 'manager' on your CV/job application. Which is very much what it could look like...

You're probably right. I just want to be recognised as the manager I am now, but I don't have the right job title I feel to reflect that.

I've messed up really badly and I want to resign but can't. I have bills and debts.

I've made a complete dick of myself haven't i?

I disagree with others. It can be worthwhile accepting a job title improvement if you are sure a salary increase is not possible. It can enable you to apply for more senior and better paid roles elsewhere. It could also help you to argue the case at the next round of salary upgrades (ie my job description has materially changed, I agreed to it to help the business and now I need to be prioritised for salary enhancement, and if I dont get it I'll be seeking another job elsewhere). So it can increase leverage, dependent on the organisation. But you'd need to get your line manager on board. Going to CEO is a misstep.

I'm a senior manager, and I'm always happy for staff to ask for advancement. It's not always possible to offer it there and then, either because there's no opportunity, or they're not really ready; but its helpful to identify those that want to progress so you can channel that ambition to benefit the business, while offering mentoring and experience to help them achieve their goal.
So no, it wouldn't harm you at all for me. It would harm your manager in my eyes if I were you though, because even if he refused you, you should have been left with a clear reason and the actions you needed to take to achieve your goal. You shouldn't ever be made to feel upset or embarrassed about your ambition.

Are you managing staff though? Every job manages something (budgets, projects, biscuit buying) but that doesn’t mean everyone is a manager.

Thank you so much. You've made me feel better about this mess I've made for myself. I didn't go through my line manager because I find them difficult and often harsh and patronising in their responses and general demeanor.

Thank you for making me feel better. I feel humiliated and all my own doing. I'm not looking for other roles but to me, even my title and level reflecting my dedication, skills and hardwork means a lot and at the moment I don't feel it does me justice. My line manager is going to be pissed off that I went straight to the ceo aren't they?

I am. I manage a small team.

That's a real shame because if you've an unsupportive and unhelpful manager it's an uphill struggle, and you may need to move to get away from them. But do that because you want to find a better place where your seniors see the benefit in nurturing ambition, not because you feel you have to run away in embarrassment.

They can be very supportive but their attitude isn't great.

This doesn't make sense at all. Is it in the private sector? As a manager, I'd be concerned an employee lacked commercial awareness and grit if they can't/won't speak up to justify their own pay.