It’s that time of year again. 

The air is filled with the smell of mince pies and mulled wine… and the looming presence of annual performance reviews. 

For some, this period brings well-deserved recognition and exciting news about promotions. But for others, it can stir up feelings of disappointment, especially if you were hoping for that next step up and didn’t quite make it.

You might be asking yourself, “What went wrong?” Perhaps you feel undervalued, overlooked, or even a little lost.

Maybe you’re considering drastic options like jumping ship and finding a new company altogether…

But before you start updating your CV, what if I told you this setback could actually be the perfect launchpad for your career growth?

Instead of viewing this as a dead end, let’s reframe it as a valuable opportunity. 

Your performance review, even with its less-than-ideal outcome, contains crucial information that can help you transform your career trajectory.

Here’s how to turn “not this time” into “next time for sure!”:

1. Deconstruct the Feedback: Don’t just skim through your review. Really dive deep into the feedback. What specific areas for improvement were highlighted? Were there any skills gaps identified? This information is gold dust! Use it to create a targeted skills development plan.
2. Seek External Perspectives: Sometimes, we can be blind to our own shortcomings. Reach out to trusted colleagues and mentors for their honest feedback. Ask them: “What do you see as my strengths and weaknesses?” and “What advice would you give me to reach the next level?” Their insights can provide a valuable external perspective on your promotion readiness.
3. Embrace the Power of Mentorship: A mentor can be an invaluable asset in your career journey. They can provide guidance, support, and help you navigate the often-complex path to promotion. Look for someone within your organisation or industry who has already achieved what you aspire to and learn from their experiences.
4. Create a Roadmap for Success: Now it’s time to put it all together. Based on the feedback you received and the insights you gained, develop a clear action plan. This should include specific goals, timelines, and strategies for addressing your skills gaps and demonstrating your value to the organisation.

Remember, being passed over for a promotion doesn’t define your career. It simply highlights areas for growth and provides a clear direction for your future efforts. 

Use this experience as fuel to excel, exceed expectations, and become an undeniable candidate for promotion next time around.

Ready to take control of your career and achieve your professional goals? 

Book a Career Clarity Session or Package with me today! 

Together, we’ll develop a personalised strategy to help you navigate the promotion cycle, master the skills you need, and confidently climb the career ladder.