Can I just say, and I'm just being honest...

[Kernel Sohcahtoa]

CIJS,

Recently, one of the managers in my retail store gave her notice: she has another job lined up, and hopefully, she is happy and has a clear vision of where she's going; she's unique, and she certainly has a wonderful personality and temperament for the job, so I hope that she is able to use those talents in her new line of work . 

With that said, I informed the store manager that I'd be interested in taking that job: I'm currently still in the management training program.  However, today the store manager pulled me aside in her office and told me that she wanted to promote from within our store: she wanted to move me into the position.  However, she told me that her corporate superior already had two candidates in mind from other stores of ours who were next in line for this type of management position: via her corporate superior, she also stated that I would first have to be in a floor supervisor position before I could actually hold a manager position.  As a result, she informed me of the person who was selected and asked me if I'd be interested in a floor supervisor position if one opened up in another store; I said yes (I'd also like to note that she seemed upset for me).

Now, I'm happy for the guy who's getting the position (I'll do my best to help him), because apparently, he was an actual manager: his manager position got cut and he ended up taking a floor supervisor position.  However, I can't help but notice that this is the second time that management has promoted a new manager/supervisor despite the fact that I've been in the training program for over a year and have expressed interest in taking on a leadership role within the organization; I've also been working in this particular store location for multiple years.  

With that said, I'm open to the possibility that I'm just not good enough and am not what the organization wants, in which case, I'd have to consider other possibilities (or careers even).   Well, for now, I guess I'll see where things go.

You've taken this news much better than I ever could. And, CIJS - their continued, intentional, passing you over for promotions is clearly their loss. If they cannot see what a diamond in the rough they have, then perhaps another organization will see the value that resides within such a fine, outstanding person and put you in a position where you can fully utilize all of your leadership skills. 

I really appreciate your post, Joods.  I must admit that I've been upset by this.  However, as tempting as it is to blame management and essentially dehumanize them, I've concluded that I'm ultimately the one who chose to pursue this particular path, and as a result, I need to take responsibility for my choice and hold myself accountable.  Having acknowledged this to myself, if my organization continues to pass me up, then it seems (as you suggested) that finding another organization to work for may be an ideal BATNA (best alternative to a negotiated agreement) for me. 

With that said, I guess I'll just continue to be myself and to keep chipping away at that dream of mine: becoming a leader in the workplace who actually earns the respect of his teammates and who can inspire them to realize that their hard work is meaningful and makes a difference.