DEAR HARRIETTE: I got passed over for a promotion at my job, and I am wrecked. I have been working so hard to complete my work and to take on more projects. I always have a good attitude and work well with people, though I will admit that I am an introvert. I do not hang out with my co-workers at the end of the day. I do not drink. I stick to myself and go home when the work is done. I feel like I may have been penalized for not being social with the team. I want to talk to my boss about it and see what I can do to prepare for a promotion. I don’t want to complain, but I do want to set myself up for success. How should I bring this up? -- Overlooked
DEAR OVERLOOKED: Schedule a meeting with your boss, and have a list of things that you have accomplished that have benefited your company so that you can share them. Start by saying how much you enjoy working at this company, what you have learned and that you believe you have been doing a good job. Point out a few of the highlights of your accomplishments this year as examples of your hard work. Then tell your boss you were disappointed when you did not receive a promotion. Ask what you can do to position yourself better for a promotion in the future. Listen to what your boss has to say. You can also ask if being an introvert is working to your disadvantage. Explain that you like your co-workers, but you mostly prefer to keep to yourself. Is that working against you?
Whatever your boss says, know that it is important to build relationships with people at your job. Work is more than doing the tasks at hand. You need to build alliances with others. You need people to have your back and to stand up for you. Make that your next priority.