Need Advice - Incompetent gets Promotion

[Brandy]

I’m new in the professional work force, I graduated in Dec 2004 and started working Jan 2005 so I really only have about 2 years of experience. This is the first time I’ve experienced an incompetent getting a promotion over me. My company researches real estate market data, when I started we had a lot of problems with data errors and incorrect numbers. Out of my whole team, I was the only one that put in 58-hour work weeks and even some Saturdays to make sure everything was correct and new data was being entered in correctly. I also single handedly helped my manager with a ton of clean up projects.

In June 2006 I had my “evaluation” and my manager informed me that she would be trying to get me an assistant manager position since I was so instrumental in helping the company. However, yesterday she informed me that she offered a newbie (who never put in extra work when needed, often did not make quota requirements, and was always condescending to me and my manager) the assistant manager position. I tried to not let on how hurt I was at this sudden decision, but I’m not a subtle person, so I think she noticed.

I’m now looking for a new job because of this situation. I know it will kill me to get up every morning feeling like I’ve been betrayed. My question is, should I take this decision with poise and dignity, or let my manager know how hurt I am? When I leave, should I even tell her if it was because of this decision? Do you think letting her know that I think her decision was wrong will burn this bridge?

Never dealt with this before, I don’t know what to do. Thanks for any advice!
- Brandy

[magenta321]

If it were me, I'd probably hold back a bit. I would say that I was looking for advancement, and XYZ company was offering it to me. I think she'll get the point, and it gives her an opportunity to rectify the situation if she as the ability and the desire.

But then again, if it were me, it'd take more than one incident to make me walk. I put up with stuff for years usually before I get fed up enough to quit.

Just make sure you have another job lined up, and are serious about taking it before you give notice.

[frazzledspice]

If the new assistant manager/newbie was promoted even though she was "always condescending to you AND your manager" it sounds like she probably has better connections than your manager does. No one would be condescending to her boss unless there was someone higher-up than her boss looking out for her....

Your manager may have been told to promote this individual--managers don't always have discretion to promote whomever they want.

[drmomentum[$]]

Assuming you do leave, I think it will probably be obvious why you did. If you are asked why you are leaving, in private, I would be honest about it and brief. Just put it plainly. I think you can do that without burning bridges if you focus less on blame and more on what you think is good for you, in a work environment, in your concern about you future.

I think being brief and sincere will serve you well.

-JP