Sometimes you can decline a promotion

By Fred Ouma

WHILE many people want to reach the top, not everyone wants to be promoted. You may want to remain in your current job because of the work/life balance or you enjoy your duties too much to alter them.

You are not alone. According to a survey among UK firms, 71% workers said they do not want their managers’ jobs. But if you excel in your current role, you are likely to be promoted.

It is challenging to turn down an opportunity with greater responsibilities and higher visibility without appearing to lack motivation or drive. Below are reasons you may decline a promotion and experts’ advice.


Bad timing

Balancing work with personal priorities has become more important than ever. Fortunately, most managers are sensitive to this. Perhaps you recently had a child or need to take care of an elderly parent and fear you will have less time to devote to these priorities.

If you’re not sure you can take on the extra responsibilities but are interested in moving up, ask your supervisor if you can try taking the position for a set period in order to better determine whether you can handle the responsibilities.

Fatmah Nabukalu, a human resources practitioner, says: “If it is not possible to accept the promotion, ask if you can revisit the idea later. Your boss is likely to move someone else into the job, but there could be another opportunity and your manager will know you are interested.”


You enjoy what you are doing

If a new job requires you to give up favourite aspects of your current position, Sarah Namirembe of Career Services suggests asking your manager if s/he can alter the responsibilities of the job to enable you continue doing your preferred tasks. “Sometimes simple adjustments can allow individuals to still enjoy a new position and move up.”

Not management material
If you are afraid of failing at one aspect of the job, get some exposure to it before you accepting the promotion. For instance, some people may not feel comfortable taking on supervisory tasks. Ask if you can first mentor newer staff to enable you gradually become comfortable with managerial responsibilities. “It could serve as a transition to the new role,” says Julius Kateega, a human resource consultant.

If you know you will be unhappy in the new position, be honest with your supervisor. Make sure s/he knows you take the offer seriously, but emphasise how much you enjoy and excel in your current role. If you would like more challenges in your position, ask to take on new responsibilities. You can suggest a lateral move to allow you remain at the firm but increase your skills and contribution.

Deciding whether to accept a promotion you do not feel is in line with your priorities presents a dilemma. But perceptions about the issue are changing. If you handle the situation with creativity, honesty and diplomacy, staying put does not have to be career affecting.

As Donna Karan, the creator of the DKNY clothing label, says: “One of our greatest gifts is our intuition. It is a sixth sense we all have, we just need to learn to tap into and trust it.”