Unadvertised senior role spotted in HR calendar and unsure what it means

[measureofmydreams]

I have a senior role in a professional services firm. I've seen in the head of HR's calendar that she has 2nd stage interviews for a role that has not been advertised internally (we have 800 people) and may be the next step up for me and another colleague if we wanted to go for it. That's assuming that it's to replace me and I'm about to be let go. It's all so unknown.

I've only told my other colleague, and am waiting to see how this plays out. But would be interested to hear anyone's else's experiences and how they've handled similar.

You don't admit you've used for your privileged diary access for stalking. I'd be deleting your access immediately if you did this to me.

In terms of the opportunity, as disappointing as it is to be overlooked, maybe focus on your own output/contribution and ask for next step advice from your manager. They may help you understand what it looks like for you as well as if there is an opportunity coming up now or in the near future and when they feel you may be ready and what if anything you need to do. Many private sector companies don't commit to advertising every opportunity.

What makes you think you’re about to be let go and replaced?

Diaries are open to everyone in the firm. she didn't make her meetings private. there was no privilege here.

In the case, she’s not hiding anything or doing anything wrong if she’s put in diary and open to all.

Not very y to tell a colleague something you have observed in her calendar though. Shit stirring

I don’t understand why you wouldn’t be able to (assuming you are approachable and friendly and have no ‘history’ with the senior person!) just ask them for a meeting and say that you’ve seen this in the calendar and it’s brought up some questions for you. You can of could say something like ‘I apologise if I wasn’t supposed to have seen it / If this puts you in an awkward position of course I understand you can’t share any information’ etc. Can’t we just be polite and diplomatic? I don’t understand why you can’t voice your thoughts. Presumably you are a valued member of their team and therefore your opinion and initiative would be of some importance! I don’t think it’s unreasonable to communicate clearly and professionally on an issue at work that’s raised questions for you. If she wanted it to remain a secret surely it wouldn’t have been added to the calendar.

@measureofmydreams you say the role has not been advertised internally but what about externally?

Thank you for your messages. It's a complex set up in the organisation and I can't say too much without being outing. it involves a take over etc. I think that I shouldn't have brought it up here as I can't be fully open. As a result of all that's going on people (including me) are feeling vulnerable etc.

Thank you for your replies and I appreciate that I haven't been fair.