How to handle a missed promotion

Promotion time! And everyone has been promoted except for you! At least, it feels that way. How can you handle such a moment in your career?

First of all, stay silent about your disappointment in business – especially if the emotional rollercoaster is still ongoing. In the heat of your emotions you might make statements which you regret once you have thought about it for a while. Therefore, take some time, walk through your emotions with friends and family and let the high peak pass through.

Once you feel, you can think clearly again, evaluate your situation. Here are some questions to consider:

• Why did you miss the promotion?
• To what degree can you influence the factors that led to this decision?
• What are the chances that you will be promoted in the future?
• What needs to happen that the promotion comes your way?
• Should you stay in your position or should you change places in order to increase your chances?
• Who can help you now and in the future?

Aside from the evaluation of the pure facts, a missed promotion is a great chance to reflect on your life, too. The emotions that are triggered through the situation can tell you a huge story about yourself, your values and priorities. Let me ask you this:

Do you like how you handled the missed promotion?

The answer to this question gives you insight if you become the person that you really want to be. Being sad about not reaching a set goal, is probably normal. But if your emotions turn your self talk towards destructive thinking, e.g. you are failure because you failed (once), your career might have an unhealthy priority in your life.

Chances are high that you will fail at something in your career. If that failure always kills you emotionally, you might want to consider to check on your identity, self talk and values. The emotions are not the problem. But they are a good sign for yourself on what has power over you. These moments are chances to evaluate, think and grow personally.

Have you ever wondered, what you would do if you wouldn’t be afraid of failure?