Two colleagues being promoted above me, how to handle?

[Lizzie523]

I've heard through the grapevine and now had it confirmed privately that 2 of my colleagues are being promoted to junior management positions above me.

To explain, four of us all work on the same level at the moment, these 2 and one other woman who is brand new to the organisation. The other 2 have been promoted to that level whereas I stepped into it 2 years ago having had more experience already.

I'm shocked and upset as I've always had great appraisals and I demonstrate management skills often having basically line managed 2 people who were new starts. I can't understand why this decision has been made. How would you handle this?

Baffling.

Did you discuss promotion with your manager. Not asked for bigger projects - but explicitly for promotion? Have you publicised your contributions?

I’ve seen people promoted over others because they pushed for it, made sure that everyone knew how much they did, and regularly checked in with manager. Others complained but there was nothing stopping them from doing the same. They just mistakenly thought that all they needed for promotion was to keep their heads down and work hard.

Of course your manager could also be playing favourites but just offering another perspective.

@user16395699

Baffling.

Indeed,,

@TractorAndHeadphones

Did you discuss promotion with your manager. Not asked for bigger projects - but explicitly for promotion? Have you publicised your contributions?

I’ve seen people promoted over others because they pushed for it, made sure that everyone knew how much they did, and regularly checked in with manager. Others complained but there was nothing stopping them from doing the same. They just mistakenly thought that all they needed for promotion was to keep their heads down and work hard.

Of course your manager could also be playing favourites but just offering another perspective.

I’d echo this. When your new manager is in place I’d work with them on strategies to raise your profile with the right people. There will be things you can do and things your manager can do.