Yes, I said it. Get E-V-E-N! I am not talking about the kind of vendetta where you strike back menacingly. You can get back without having to resort to malicious acts of revenge. This is where developing yourself will come into picture.
I remember getting bypassed on a promotion few years ago to someone who did not meet the competency qualifications nor have the decision making skills of a supervisor nor even have the ability to express himself/herself properly. The person even told me that he/she stuttered the whole duration of the interview and did not even answer some of the questions. I was told that I did well in the whole process but during the interview, I didn't highlight much on my examples. So, the competencies were definitely scratched out in favor of the other candidate who fumbled her/his way throughout the selection process. I was confident that somehow, I had the chance. Well, the person they selected was the one who fumbled. Then it hit me. It was actually in the bag even from the get-go. The one who got ahead of me was the "boss' friend." It was public knowledge that the boss and the selected candidate were buddies; as in they share lunch food and go out together in social events. However, I didn't want to harp on those info even if they were true. I didn't want to be the bitter one. So what I did was to get even positively.
I drew my plans and started on myself. I had to reflect on myself and what I am capable of. I asked myself, "What is it in me that I have to improve to be worthy of a boss' nod? " And I was surprised to know that the answer was very simple - improve. And I did that by doing the following:
- enroll in online courses
- took short couses via distance learning in universities
- take on more responsibilities above my grade level
- made myself more visible by not avoiding the bosses in the lift or in the pantry
- offered to help in projects and report generations
- volunteered to coach the new temporary staff and OJTs
- honed my communication skills and confidence by facilitating meetings with the top honchos and pitching my suggestions and proposals to them
However, before you cast your judgment, I didn't turn myself into a leach. If that is what you're thinking. That will remain to be a taboo in my way to success. I did all those things sincerely because I wanted to improve myself more than anything else. So that when the next promotion comes along, I am ready. I did it for myself personally and professionally.
I didn't bother to ask how the other candidate has been. I moved on. Besides, my revenge was sweet and victorious. I got the nod eventually.
I always remind myself that the sweetest victory is when you become successful and watch those who served injustice to your career make a mess out of theirs. I wouldn't want to see them go down the drain but if karma finds its way, it does bite real hard in the bum and that hurts!
So, if you get bypassed, just get even positively.
