Would you apply for promotion, even though peers don't like it?

Question

Some colleagues do or done have the correct mix of experience and qualifications and some research and other technical personnel don’t want a facilities (in house) management position due to jealous egos etc.

The research staff are fragmented small teams without common purpose all competing (to survive or shine) for lab resources (such as the technical support staff and equipment time etc.) and think its ok to fight to be able to steer and control small areas, equipment or people and that remote senior management can be kept in the dark. They would rather secretly decide or dictate (but not document) things and influence opposing directions.

Of course senior management is not fooled by this and has created this post (due to observations and statements on lack of structure, discipline all which has been the downfall of reputation, quality and accreditation).

The four year post pays around 35 to 40% more that my current permanent post.

What's your thoughts about this?

Thanks Kristina, I know what you mean…

However, Mr_Bman has been intuitive as I highlighted (in a report about an accreditation training I receivied) about the need for a replacement of the retired Director and Manager who left. They advertised for a Director, I did not apply, they did not appoint anyone only internal people applied, so now they advertise for a facilities manager who reports to a senior manager outside of the building / facility. (Thus no current need for a Director).

So Mr_Bman is right, I have to apply or loss mega respect of the big bosses. Cheers… Feel free to comment and thanks again for your answer.

Thanks, Mike_Leach.
That's what I wanted (& needed) to hear...
Top man!
Cheers

Answer 1

Apply for the promotion. Do this for yourself and don't let the peer's have any imput. This is your life and career, we are talking about. If they don't have the drive to go as far as they can go in life, doesn't mean you shouldn't do it.

You would be a fool not to try and advance in all you do in life. Go for it.

Life is an Adventure, Live it to the best of your ability!

Answer 2

First and foremost, you have to ask yourself - is this position something that interests you? Is it in line with your overall career development path?

Money is a nice benefit but as someone who has been there - and done that - try to never let that make your deciding factor.

Second, I generally find that in order for management to truly be successful in this situation, they need to do MORE than just open up a position. There needs to be an entire cultural change from top - down. The fact that employees have been allowed to act in this behavior - well - it's not something that can be changed/solved over night.

Third, if I was a betting girl, I would assume that the position may get posted internally however, most likely, the company would go externally for the "right" person. This doesn't mean that any internal individual isn't qualified for the position. It just means that - knowing the internal mix of the culture and how the group will react to the changes - it's often less stressful for team dynamics if a new person (or "the enemy") introduces the altered behavior.

If I were you - I would take a wait and see attitude (assuming it does fit into your career path). So many times, upper management wants to make changes (so they say), but their actions show otherwise. You have to ask yourself - do you want to get caught in the cross-fire???

Answer 3

If you suggested it you have to take it. You will lose an incredible amount of respect from your bosses if you don't.