Being overlooked in the workplace is one of the most disheartening experiences for any professional. You put in the hours, demonstrate dedication, deliver results, yet somehow, when it’s time for recognition or career advancement, you find yourself passed over. Unfortunately, this happens far more often than we’d like to admit, particularly in competitive environments where visibility and self-promotion often outweigh merit.
In Indian corporate settings, where hierarchical dynamics, personal relationships, and office politics can complicate the path to recognition, it’s essential to manage the situation strategically when you’re overlooked. This article explores practical steps that you can take to regain visibility, respect, and momentum in your career.
1. Stay Composed: Don’t Let Your Emotions Control the Narrative
It’s perfectly normal to feel frustrated, angry, or even betrayed when you’re passed over for an opportunity you believe you deserve. In fact, acknowledging your emotions is the first step to managing them. However, it’s crucial not to react impulsively. Avoid venting your frustration to colleagues or letting it impact your performance at work. Reacting negatively can cause more harm to your reputation, potentially solidifying the perception that you weren’t ready for the opportunity in the first place.
Take, for instance, the story of Ananya, a senior marketing executive at an Indian tech startup. When she was overlooked for a promotion in favor of a colleague with less experience, she was understandably upset. However, instead of letting her disappointment take over, she focused on her work, determined to prove her value. Her restraint and professionalism in handling the situation earned her praise from management, and she was promoted a few months later.
2. Analyse the Situation: Understand Why You Were Overlooked
Before jumping to conclusions, take a step back and objectively assess the situation. Why were you overlooked? Was it simply a matter of office politics, or did you genuinely fall short in some way? Sometimes, promotions or opportunities are not about merit alone but also about timing, strategic fit, or internal dynamics that may not have been communicated.
In a well-known pharmaceutical company in Hyderabad, Rajesh, a senior R&D specialist, was passed over for a team lead position despite his technical prowess. Upon reflection, he realized that while his technical expertise was undisputed, he had neglected to build relationships with decision-makers and had not positioned himself as a leader. This self-awareness prompted him to focus not just on his work but on developing leadership skills and networking within the organization.
3. Seek Constructive Feedback: Approach with a Growth Mindset
Once you’ve had time to reflect, it’s important to seek constructive feedback from your manager or HR. This can be a difficult conversation, but it’s a critical step in understanding what you can improve. Approach the conversation with a growth mindset, focusing on what you can do better, rather than pointing fingers or appearing defensive.
In a Mumbai-based retail company, Nisha, a merchandising manager, was frequently overlooked for strategic project opportunities. After a one-on-one feedback session with her manager, she discovered that while her work was appreciated, her lack of strategic thinking and failure to communicate her successes were key reasons for being passed over. Armed with this feedback, she began to approach projects with a more strategic mindset and regularly updated her manager on her accomplishments, leading to new opportunities.
4. Build Your Internal Network: Relationships Matter
In many Indian companies, the strength of your internal network can play a significant role in career progression. While delivering results is essential, it’s equally important to cultivate relationships with key stakeholders. If you’re being overlooked despite your performance, it might be because the decision-makers aren’t fully aware of your contributions or potential.
For example, in Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), an employee, Ayesha, realized she was being overlooked for leadership roles because she had focused solely on delivering results and had neglected networking with senior management. By making a concerted effort to build relationships with mentors and senior leaders, she was able to position herself more strategically within the company, and she eventually secured a leadership position.
5. Show Initiative: Take on High-Visibility Projects
Sometimes, being overlooked is simply a matter of not being in the right place at the right time. One way to combat this is by taking on high-visibility projects or roles that showcase your leadership and initiative. Volunteer for cross-departmental projects, offer to lead new initiatives, or take the lead on important tasks that will put you in front of decision-makers.
In Infosys, a software development manager named Ajay was consistently overlooked for project leadership roles. He realized that while his technical skills were solid, he had never taken the initiative to lead complex projects or collaborate outside his immediate team. After volunteering to spearhead a major company-wide initiative, his leadership potential became evident, and he was soon promoted.
6. Document Your Achievements: Keep Track of Your Wins
In many cases, being overlooked is simply because your contributions haven’t been adequately highlighted. Don’t assume that your hard work speaks for itself. Document your accomplishments, the challenges you’ve overcome, and the results you’ve delivered. When the next opportunity arises, you’ll have concrete evidence of your value and contributions to the company.
For example, in a Bengaluru-based startup, a product manager, Rohan, made it a habit to document every successful product launch, including data-driven results and feedback from clients. This not only helped him track his progress but also made it easier to present his case when promotions or raises were being considered.
7. Know When to Move On: Sometimes It’s the Company, Not You
If you’ve consistently been overlooked despite following all the steps above, it’s important to consider whether the company is the right fit for your long-term career aspirations. If the organization’s culture or politics consistently favor others over you, it might be time to explore opportunities elsewhere. Staying in a place where your contributions aren’t valued can hinder your growth and morale.
Take the example of Deepak, a senior finance executive at an Indian manufacturing firm. After being overlooked for several years despite his accomplishments, he made the tough decision to leave the company. He eventually joined a competitor where his skills were recognized, and he was promoted within his first year.
Conclusion: Reclaiming Your Value
Being overlooked doesn’t have to define your career trajectory. By staying composed, seeking feedback, building relationships, and proactively positioning yourself for success, you can overcome setbacks and ensure that your contributions are recognized in the future. Remember, setbacks are often opportunities in disguise—use them to your advantage to grow, learn, and demonstrate your resilience in the workplace.