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Not getting the promotion you thought you had in the bag was devastating. You worked so hard preparing your resume, researching what was needed to fulfil the position, and simply working and planning your career, but that tempting career advancement wasn’t to be yours.

When you were told that you didn’t get the promotion you went through a whole gamut of emotions. You experienced disappointment, frustration, anger and even grief – yes, grief. You lost something that you had all your hopes of a tempting career advancement based on and now the empty void is actually scary.

No doubt you are going to have a lot of questions as to why you didn’t get the promotion. You know that you deliver great results. You also receive lots of pats on the back for your great work. You believe you are appreciated by everyone above and below you. People have told you that you have a natural talent, and you honestly believed that your seniors were hinting that the next promotion was yours. 

Despite all of these great things you didn’t get the promotion- what’s that about? In this situation most managers aren’t able to overcome their disappointment, and while it is understandable that you may want to leave your position, you need to realize that this may result in damaging your career. 

The alternative is to accept that you are not good enough, and make so with where your career is now. It doesn’t have to be like this. Don’t put your career dreams in a drawer and shut it forever. Don’t push aside your desires for career advancement and think you are not good enough.

Only some great managers learn how to bounce back from bitter disappointment, and use it as an advantage, are you one of them? It certainly isn’t easy and it takes a whole lot of courage. However if you are willing to put in the time to plan, review, and research your next move, the add to that a whole lot of understanding, you will become a much better manager – one that will be looked for when the next promotion opportunity arises.

The first thing you need to understand is that being great at your current job doesn’t mean you will be automatically promoted. In truth, the more you advance, the harder it will be to develop the kinds of qualities you’ll need for that next promotion. 

You may be so good at your job your boss may not want to lose you. I come across managers in this situation all the time. You’ll need to make sure that you are not the only one doing a great job on your team. Train someone else to be as good as you, and look at that person as your possible replacement when you are promoted.

As well, one thing you need to understand is that no matter where you are in your career, you have to keep developing your skills and building on your experience. This means that you will be better prepared to handle the challenges a senior position will demand of you.

Do you understand how others see you now? Do they really see a potential senior manager in the making or you, doing what you always do, and doing it well? 

Being able to step back and see your failings isn’t easy. It takes a certain kind of courage and perseverance. No one is good at this from the start because it is a much needed skill that not many of us have naturally, nor is it trained.
However, if you want to know how to become a senior manager you have to start behaving like one now. Learn what skills and experience this position entails and start practicing them. Make sure that your boss sees you making improvements, too.

And always remember: 

Great managers are made. Not born.

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