Promotion opportunity (advice needed)

[Workplaceblues]

My boss is taking a new role. On paper I am most qualified to step into his shoes than a colleague.

My colleague (recently promoted to be my peer) lacks technical and managerial strength and qualities.

He is however meeting with my boss twice a week, is being actively coached and pushed toward promotion. He kisses arse continuously.

Why not me? I have a different sense of how to work. I will not kiss arse but try to be fair. I challenge my boss and try to bring my experience to help the team. I have very good feedback from all others. Have asked boss for feedback. At best, got criticism that was untrue.

Reading back this seems like I am arrogant/unaccepting of my own shortcomings, which in reality I really don’t think is the case - am trying to just be honest here with all factors.

If colleague were to get promoted, I would leave. I don’t think that will happen but may go with a neutral candidate from outside. Either way I feel really upset by the difference in approach to being coached/ prepared here.

Any thoughts much appreciated

Did they make a formal announcement they would be moving to a new role? In what timescales?

I would raise the situation directly with your manager, without making any assumptions about the situation you're observing with the male colleague being coached, at least not at this stage.

What will be the process to identify a replacement?
Will HR be involved in setting up interviews?
Will it be advertised internally first, then externally?
How will the assessment be conducted?

Make it be known that you're interested in applying - there's no point waiting on the sidelines, thinking why isn't my manager seeing my experience and talent, why haven't they noticed me? You've got to stick your elbows out and be forthright, otherwise how will anyone know what your aspirations are?

If this colleague is promoted without any due process, I would not leave. This is a clear case of discrimination, and a relatively straightforward one to build a grievance around. But it's a lot easier o do, if you can already evidence how clearly you've already made your intentions know through the meeting you call with your manager. They'd be clueless to ignore that.

Why don't you put yourself forward for coaching? Can you approach the boss and say you'd like apply for the promotion and see if any assistance could be offered? It's not kissing arse.

Thanks very much.

Apologies I should have been clearer - It will be advertised - I think internally and externally but feels to me like a decision has been made, at least by my manager.

I guess the issue is that whilst HR playing by rules, manager is very much one sided. I’m good at what I do but do not get drawn into politics/playing games which now appears to be to my detriment here.

Thanks user. I have asked for feedback as per post. We are very different and are not friends outside of work (unlike he and my colleague).

The kids arse comment is in relation to interactions I see, not the coaching. I just feel this is very biased.

Have you spoken to your boss about your desire for a promotion?

Hi yes. Feedback vague at best, unfair I feel at worst. 360 feedback (inc from those senior to manager) always been very good - which I have pointed out and he knows as receives.

It does sound biased and that must be really frustrating, what kind of organisation do you work for? Is the recruitment process quite robust I mean, will you have 3 people on the panel to challenge him?

Have you asked your manager for coaching and told him of your interest in the role and how you’d like to gain an insight about the role from him?