Can my manager stop me taking an internal promotion?

getmore4less

Ozzuk wrote: »

For the people saying 'no' he can't - can I ask what they are basing that on? I was blocked from a job change (was actually changing countries as well) because the risk it would cause if I left my position - they had issues with backfill. I was actually fine about it (mostly) and understood as a professional but I had no idea this isn't allowed. Thinking about it, I had another manager block another role change again because I was 'too useful where I was'.

Business needs come first those that say they don't are mistaken.

Anyone can block anyone moving internally if the company allows it.

BoJangles_2

In previous roles I have been in the company policy for employees has always been to approach your manager first before applying for any internal roles. Mainly for business reasons and nothing to do with wanting to stop people from progressing.

asajj

They can by claiming that keeping you is good for business but no reasonable, self-respecting company would stop someone applying to a role that they dream of and would want an unhappy employee.
At the end of the day, you can leave the company for an external role easily and they can't do anything about it.

I'd talk to my manager and tell him that I'd like to apply and I will try everything I can to make the transition smooth and hint perhaps that i'd be unhappy if I see that role goes to someone else.

Ozzuk

getmore4less wrote: »

Business needs come first those that say they don't are mistaken.

Anyone can block anyone moving internally if the company allows it.

That is pretty much what I thought, my question though is aimed at the people saying 'No' quite firmly and what they are basing it on.

dotdash79

I've been a manager waiting for a staff member to transfer in from another department and had the existing manager blocking the move constantly, in the end the member of staff handed in his notice due to the delays and we almost lost a decent member of staff.

I managed to talk out HR department into dealing with the other manager to stop that thing happening again.

Loopy28

Thank you for your replies and advice.

To give an update, I spoke to my manager and explained to her that I really wanted to apply for the role (it is an internal promotion) and she said she wouldn't block it, however, she did go bright red and I could see she was not happy.

Then she started telling me what a mess I would leave, it would let everyone down in the team and that they don't have anyone who can replace me internally and that if they recruit externally they will have someone who doesn't know the business. Also it was her who pressed for me to get my current position, which was also an internal promotion. Made me feel guilty and I ended up agreeing I wouldn't apply.

I spoke to the other department manager who is recruiting for the post and explained I would leave my team in too much of a mess etc and the reasons, he then told me that they would ensure a suitable replacement for me before I transferred to the new role. So basically trying to convince me to apply.

But stupid me has already told my manager I wouldn't apply so can't really go back on my word.

Annoyed with myself really. My manager said she doesn't want to stop me being promoted but basically guilt tripped me and I didn't man up enough to look after my own interests, which is actually really unlike me as I am always quite cut throat....I am so cross with myself.

getmore4less

If you are so critical in the current position you should get a promotion/pay/recognition at least as good if not better than the opportunity.

Go back to your manager and tell them you have reconsidered, to keep you they need to immediately instigate a better package for you as you will be applying.

You are being played and losing.

Your manager need to be batting for you on the remuneration front if they want to keep you or get their backside in gear and start planning.

SandC

What above said.

Sounds to me like you would be pretty damn good in your Manager's position.

Loopy28

haha thank you!

The other department are fighting for me now, it has all kicked off today and they are accusing my manager of stopping my career progression. The company director even got involved and said they really need me in the new job.

I do still feel a loyalty to my current manager and dpt. though, even though I know she is being selfish and thinking of herself before me, I do feel that she has done a lot for me and I would be throwing it back in her face.

Takeaway_Addict

Loopy28 wrote: »

Thank you for your replies and advice.

To give an update, I spoke to my manager and explained to her that I really wanted to apply for the role (it is an internal promotion) and she said she wouldn't block it, however, she did go bright red and I could see she was not happy.

Then she started telling me what a mess I would leave, it would let everyone down in the team and that they don't have anyone who can replace me internally and that if they recruit externally they will have someone who doesn't know the business. Also it was her who pressed for me to get my current position, which was also an internal promotion. Made me feel guilty and I ended up agreeing I wouldn't apply.

I spoke to the other department manager who is recruiting for the post and explained I would leave my team in too much of a mess etc and the reasons, he then told me that they would ensure a suitable replacement for me before I transferred to the new role. So basically trying to convince me to apply.

But stupid me has already told my manager I wouldn't apply so can't really go back on my word.

Annoyed with myself really. My manager said she doesn't want to stop me being promoted but basically guilt tripped me and I didn't man up enough to look after my own interests, which is actually really unlike me as I am always quite cut throat....I am so cross with myself.

Think about yourself first. If she is a good manager then yes it might not be great for a few months when you leave and they train someone else up but that is business and they will get over it.

Are you now saying you are going to work there for teh rest of your life?

Push yourself forwards in your career.