Lessons I Learned When I Didn’t Get Promoted

Early in my career, I worked for a national healthcare company. I started at an entry level position and received three promotions very quickly. I was on the fast track and recognized for my great performance. Once I reached an AVP position, I reported directly to the SVP and had no opportunity for further advancement, that is, until the company reorganized. With that reorganization, a VP position opened up in my territory. I immediately threw my hat in the ring. I thought I was a shoe-in. There was no one else more qualified in my division.

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But the reorganization also resulted in me having a new boss, a buddy of the CEO who came from outside the company. I didn’t like him. He was a bully and a chauvinist and he intimidated me. So I avoided him. I spent much of my time out in the field with my 18 direct reports. I was confident the VP job was mine.

Well, it didn’t happen that way. They brought in a man from another territory to assume the role and though they offered me a lateral position, I was devastated. In fact, I was so devastated that it took me a while to realize that there were some valuable lessons to learn from this experience.

Here’s what I learned.

First and foremost, never assume that your work alone will get you ahead. It takes both great performance and political savvy to get promoted. Think about it. How does your performance help you if no one knows about it and if you don’t have the visibility and credibility across the organization?

In my case, I had received many awards for my performance, but I assumed that that was all I needed to get the VP position. Obviously, there were other factors involved that I was blind to.

These factors can make or break your chances for advancement. Do your homework. Gather as much information as you can about the type of person they are looking for, the qualifications and experience necessary. You also need to know who decision maker is and who influences their decisions. In other words, who is in their circle of influence? Who do they turn to when making decisions? Who is in their inner circle?

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