INTRODUCTION

Across America, employees are becoming disgruntled and upset that their organizations are insensitive to their needs. Millions of employees are forced to exist in this situation. They feel like their organizations don't care, and their managers don't recognize their contributions. Is that you? You work hard and are always willing to do the extra things in your work area. Your supervisor tells you to keep trying, but you don't want to hear this...again. Yet, your loyalty goes unrewarded as you see someone else being promoted over you. In this climate of economic turmoil, it is clear that fewer managers are really concern about their employees' future career advancements.

Human resource strategist Dr. Mildred Culp has been observing this issue in the workplace: "People get rejected at work. They're passed over for a promotion or plum assignment, laughed at and harassed. They're made aware in no uncertain terms that they're not valued." Unfortunately, there are too many managers and organizations that do not value the importance of their employees. These same managers are great at developing goals and distributing tasks but are unsuccessful at inspiring their workforce. Additionally, when managers do not behave in an ethical fashion, they lose the goodwill of employees. James Kouzers and Barry Posners, authors of Credibility, argue that the increase in cynicism in the workplace is due the decline of credibility among executives. As a result, some employees doubt their own self-worth and value in their organizations. Others just act out.

PERSONAL STRATEGIES

Workers must be willing to accept disappointment in today's profit driven organizations. Over the next few years, there will be a massive exodus of seasoned employees. There will be opportunities when these managers retire. However, some supervisors have misused these circumstances to promote individuals based on favoritism rather than merit. Feelings are hurt. Unfortunately, most employees who are passed over aren't willing to do something different. Employees become unhappy with life. There is a sense of hopelessness. Consequently, they can't break this vicious cycle of hopelessness. However, there are other positive options for them.

The following suggestions are offered to enhance personal development while in the midst of a bad situation at work: (a) develop 4-5 career goals that are achievable, (b) create a positive reason for going to work and repeat it everyday, (c) avoid negative people in the workplace and in life, (d) develop a positive support network, and (e) grow a personal spiritual life.

CONCLUSION

Due to the economic turmoil, many workers will need to exist in less than ideal situations. The results may produce more unhappy employees as advancements become more scarce. Promoting employees are a right of managers. Yet, when deserving employees are passed over, other workers are impacted. Morale can be low. By implementing the previous recommendations, a person can turn being passed over into an opportunity. If an individual feels he or she is being mistreated by being passed over, it is the employee's responsibility to address the matter. The lesson to be learned is to keep personal skills sharpened. Getting passed over is a traumatic experience that can be overcome if one takes the right actions. Let us pray that it is not too late.

document.write(getResources());