Published on Wednesday, Apr 04, 2007
This may sound audacious, weird and a downright anomaly of sorts, but some people do not go bonkers when a coveted promotion comes calling. Incredible! But yes, they actually say `Thanks, but no thanks'
Reasoning out
A case in point - Nancy Katz, Vice President at the investment firm McCown De Leeuw & Co. in California had a sure shot chance of becoming a partner. Who would refuse such an opportunity? But, Nancy did so. What makes people turn away from the `god-sent opportunity'? What do they seek?
Well, when the boss dangles the tempting carrot, it is impossible to say no. However, some employees do not choose to sacrifice everything to claw their way to the top. A promotion does not only lead to an impressive title on the business card, it brings with it additional work and responsibilities and sometimes even relocation. Additional work in turn implies lesser time for their families and other interests. It feels good to have the extra income, but, in the long run, are the longer hours and working weekends (they may of course be doing that currently too!) worthwhile? Yet others consider the timing is not right to take up the offer.
All said and done, it is a simple case of having realised that they are perfectly content as they are. As Nancy Katz argues, `My current job is challenging and I enjoy it, and at the end of the day I can turn it off. As a partner, work would be nonstop'.
Similarly, Dan Hackett, of Alabama, has held the same sales job at a major U.S. food manufacturer for 29 years. He says that there was a lot of pressure to move up. But, he did not want to forfeit the flexibility his job offers. It allowed him to attend his children's activities and spend some time on the golf course.
`Why spoil a good thing?' is the ubiquitous reasoning.
Whatever the reason, this `ultimate sacrilege' is bound to draw raised eyebrows and open mouths, not to mention raised hackles. It can paint you as an underachiever lacking the burning ambition to advance, which is `Oh so necessary to succeed' It can be professional hara-kiri of sorts as you may end up losing the existing job as well.
But, if you do decide to veto a promotion here's how to say no and still keep your job.
Chew it over
Before you deliver a resounding `no', think over your decision carefully. Make it the right choice by considering your goals, preferences and priorities. Else, your words will wind up unceremoniously on your plate. Regret or resent, but you will have to live with it.
From the outset, be upfront with the boss. Validate your decision with sincere and meaningful explanations. He may not give you a pat on the back, but might at least be willing to understand.
Not crazy at all
Your `impertinence' will inspire atrocious insinuations all around you and make you the butt of office jokes. Be prepared to ignore them. Concentrate on the larger picture that you visualise.
Reassure your superiors that even though you have not accepted the promotion, you are not afraid of change and are willing to assume new projects. Describe the skills, abilities and temperaments that make you particularly well suited to your present position.
No free lunches
This is not the time to turn complacent. Entrench yourself in the job by becoming a proficient performer. Be willing to spread your wings, polish your skills or mentor others on their way to the top.
You can get a raise too
It is often difficult to get an increment after rejecting a promotion as salary is tied to the post. Try to prove your worth as an active contributor to the company's success. If so, you can ask for a raise and enjoy a rising trajectory in the job itself.
Whatever course you choose, do follow your heart if it makes you happy. Risky, but it's your life after all!
Reasoning out
A case in point - Nancy Katz, Vice President at the investment firm McCown De Leeuw & Co. in California had a sure shot chance of becoming a partner. Who would refuse such an opportunity? But, Nancy did so. What makes people turn away from the `god-sent opportunity'? What do they seek?
Well, when the boss dangles the tempting carrot, it is impossible to say no. However, some employees do not choose to sacrifice everything to claw their way to the top. A promotion does not only lead to an impressive title on the business card, it brings with it additional work and responsibilities and sometimes even relocation. Additional work in turn implies lesser time for their families and other interests. It feels good to have the extra income, but, in the long run, are the longer hours and working weekends (they may of course be doing that currently too!) worthwhile? Yet others consider the timing is not right to take up the offer.
All said and done, it is a simple case of having realised that they are perfectly content as they are. As Nancy Katz argues, `My current job is challenging and I enjoy it, and at the end of the day I can turn it off. As a partner, work would be nonstop'.
Similarly, Dan Hackett, of Alabama, has held the same sales job at a major U.S. food manufacturer for 29 years. He says that there was a lot of pressure to move up. But, he did not want to forfeit the flexibility his job offers. It allowed him to attend his children's activities and spend some time on the golf course.
`Why spoil a good thing?' is the ubiquitous reasoning.
Whatever the reason, this `ultimate sacrilege' is bound to draw raised eyebrows and open mouths, not to mention raised hackles. It can paint you as an underachiever lacking the burning ambition to advance, which is `Oh so necessary to succeed' It can be professional hara-kiri of sorts as you may end up losing the existing job as well.
But, if you do decide to veto a promotion here's how to say no and still keep your job.
Chew it over
Before you deliver a resounding `no', think over your decision carefully. Make it the right choice by considering your goals, preferences and priorities. Else, your words will wind up unceremoniously on your plate. Regret or resent, but you will have to live with it.
From the outset, be upfront with the boss. Validate your decision with sincere and meaningful explanations. He may not give you a pat on the back, but might at least be willing to understand.
Not crazy at all
Your `impertinence' will inspire atrocious insinuations all around you and make you the butt of office jokes. Be prepared to ignore them. Concentrate on the larger picture that you visualise.
Reassure your superiors that even though you have not accepted the promotion, you are not afraid of change and are willing to assume new projects. Describe the skills, abilities and temperaments that make you particularly well suited to your present position.
No free lunches
This is not the time to turn complacent. Entrench yourself in the job by becoming a proficient performer. Be willing to spread your wings, polish your skills or mentor others on their way to the top.
You can get a raise too
It is often difficult to get an increment after rejecting a promotion as salary is tied to the post. Try to prove your worth as an active contributor to the company's success. If so, you can ask for a raise and enjoy a rising trajectory in the job itself.
Whatever course you choose, do follow your heart if it makes you happy. Risky, but it's your life after all!
PAYAL AGARWAL
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