There comes a time in many organizations when a manager quits, leaving an empty management position to be filled. If your manager has recently left the company or will soon be leaving, you may be considering putting in your application for the job. Many of your coworkers are likely thinking the same thing.
If not carried out properly, the process of competing with coworkers for a management position can get a little messy. The following are four ways to apply for the company’s management role with grace to avoid coworker resentment.
Be Honest
While you have no obligation to inform coworkers of your intention to apply for a management opening, being vocal about the application may be beneficial. By being honest and upfront about applying for the job, you’ll leave fewer reasons for coworkers to talk behind your back as the competition heats up.
Focus on your Assets
You should never put other job applicants down in an attempt to build up your qualifications during a job interview. Rather than calling out the flaws of a coworker who has also applied for the management role, focus instead on your assets and work history. Any job interview negativity you bring to the interview can leave a bad taste in the interviewer’s mouth, so it’s best to maintain a positive tone by discussing your qualifications.
Avoid Gossip
Gossip often blooms when several employees compete for one management position. Avoid the gossip trap by never discussing a coworker’s qualifications for the job with other employees. Anything negative you say will likely find its way back to the target of the gossip and will only further complicate the situation. If a coworker approaches you with the intent of spreading gossip regarding any employee who applied for the management role, stay out of the discussion by simply stating you’ll leave the decision in the interviewer’s hands.
Win or Lose with Grace
Whether you’re offered the position or are turned down, take the news with grace. If you’re chosen for the job, avoid rubbing the win in the faces of coworkers. Also, begin working immediately with coworkers to build up the new team environment. If you aren’t offered the position, immediately offer sincere congratulations to the new manager. How you act in the days following the job filling announcement will set the tone for the future workplace environment.
Applying for a management position can be exciting and can open up many opportunities for you. However, competition between coworkers applying for the same job can often be fierce. Be honest with coworkers about your intentions to apply for the job and avoid putting coworkers down in an attempt to claim the management role. By taking these actions, you can compete for the job with grace and minimize any lingering resentment after the position is filled.
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