Am I being demoted?

Dear Office-Politics,

I’ve been working in this new field that I really like for the past 6 months and according to my boss “performing very well”. However, one of my experienced teammates resigned and will be replaced by a very senior person who will take on a “supervisory role” – nice way to say I’ll be demoted.

When I confronted my manager with this, she said it was more a “coaching role” than an actual supervision and no additional layers will be added to the structure of the department (which I find hard to believe). My other teammate is also confirming my doubts.

I want to stay in this job to grow and advance in my career (I am 26 and the youngest here) what should I do? I am really stressing about this and he didn’t join us yet! Please help!

Thanks,

The Junior

OFFICE-POLITICS REPLY BY GUEST ADVISER, VANESSA SMITH

Dear Junior,

First, let me say, I’m glad that you’ve found a field that you like so much. It’s natural to question changes that take place in your work environment, especially if you’re attached to the way things currently are, or were. This sounds like a classic case of believing in yourself, trusting in your skills and abilities, and learning how to roll with the changes a growing organization brings.

You’ve made some assumptions. The way you’ve framed this scenario also indicates that you are ready for things not to work out. These, in conjunction with your doubt and fears, are what’s causing you stress. It’s time to change how you’re looking at the situation.

You stated, “I’ve been working in this new field that I really like” and “I want to stay in this job to grow and advance in my career.”

Pay attention to these, they are the clearest statements you’ve made about your situation. Let your passion be your guiding light. Get specific with yourself about what it is that you like about your position, this field, and your ideas about how you’d like to grow in this career. Share this with your boss. Anyone can acquire knowledge of something. When you begin to mix your knowledge with your unique ideas, innovation, and imagination, that’s when your value to a company soars. Focus on developing that rather than on your doubts, fears, and assumptions. Speaking of which, let’s take a look at those.

The assumptions
Words you’ve used show how you think it won’t work to your advantage:
“Confronted my manager”, “Nice way to say I’ll be demoted”, “I find hard to believe”, “Confirming my doubts”

Questions/Thoughts to consider:

What about being curious, open, and interested in asking your boss about the changes, rather than confronting? They hired you for a reason. Clearly they value your skills or they’d let you go. You are a partner, not just an employee, time for you to value your role.

What do you find hard to believe about the replacement being in more of a coaching than a supervisory role? If the boss already told you that you are performing well, believe it. Coaches help bring out already acknowledged excellence. This is a compliment, not a demotion.

What are your specific doubts? What is it that you fear is happening or will happen? Let’s assume for a moment that your assumption is correct and they really want you out of the organization. Why would they make an investment in you by having an experienced teammate work with you rather than just fire you?

Bottom line
The company you work for values you, if they didn’t, you wouldn’t still be there. Instead of building on your fears and stressing yourself out, get clear on what your value is to them and build on that. This way, you’ll feel better, be more effective, and ultimately, validate their decision in hiring and keeping you on their team.

Moving from Junior to Senior
Although you are the ‘Junior’ now, keep in mind that many people who reach the very top of an organization, do so because they have gained a broad range of experience throughout the company. Early on they adopted a learning mindset and asked themselves: What can I learn from this person? That is a healthy attitude that can help you in all areas of life, but especially in the workplace. Good luck!

Thanks for writing to Office Politics.

Best wishes,

Vanessa Smith, MA, CLC

Vanessa Smith, founder of Integrative Wellness Works, coaches people to get healthy, trust their intuition, and change their lives. She has a Masters degree in Holistic Health Education and certifications as a Life Coach and Diet Counselor. Her work has been published in Going Bonkers?, a self-help magazine with a sense of humor. Visit Vanessa at Integrative Wellness Works and read her tips for staying healthy at work.