You didn’t get that promotion you were expecting. How should you talk to your manager about your disappointment—and how do you move forward?
 
Start by clearly expressing your disappointment, and seek to understand what went into the decision not to promote you. Listen for explicit criteria. Ideally, you’ll gain some insight into your manager’s perspective and intentions, as well as signal your desire for a more transparent working relationship.
 
Then, reiterate your goals. Explain to your new manager exactly what it is you want and why. Come prepared with evidence to support your case, including highlights of your most valuable work and how it has contributed to the larger organizational goals.
 
Next, request specific feedback on your performance and potential areas for improvement. You can then use this feedback as a roadmap to build and refine your skill set and demonstrate your value to the organization.
 
Finally, ask for advice. Requesting your manager’s guidance on what you can do to earn a promotion next time might enlist their trust and support.
This tip is adapted from “Getting Along: My New Manager Didn’t Give Me the Promotion I Was Promised,” by Amy Gallo
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