How to Turn Down a Promotion

Saying "no" to a promotion is not as unusual or strange as it may seem. A promotion can mean more hours, a bigger work load, supervisory responsibilities or a relocation that just don't fit with a person's lifestyle or goals. The trick is how to turn down the promotion and still maintain status and clout in your current job. Here are some tips for saying "no" to that offer, but still managing to stay on top in the workplace:

It is always a good idea to offer solutions when you are declining an offer of a promotion at work. In addition to giving a brief and reasonable explanation of why you are declining, offering to help out on a short-term basis, taking on some extra work so a coworker can be trained for the position or some other exhibition of your commitment to the "team effort" can be a good way of easing yourself out of the running. Some organizations really have a corporate culture of "up or out" and it can be a true challenge to decline and still keep a job you like and feel competent at. Offering to participate in the changes in some other way and lend as much support as possible may help to ease the "no" when you decline.

If it is just the specific job that you are opposed to and not a promotion in general, it will take tact and some political skill to send that message without seeming picky. Having a clear understanding and an ability to communicate your strengths and weaknesses can help. It can also help if you have developed a clear plan for your career development and can share this with your supervisors. Showing them and explaining how you feel your talents and skills will be best used in another department or position can be one way of keeping the doors open while you are closing the one.

Be careful when citing personal issues and reasons for declining a promotion as many businesses may see this as an admission that you are having a difficult time balancing work and family. I know this seems rather stereotypical and "old school," but you'll need to have a solid understanding of your company climate and culture and evaluate whether you can cite the extra hours, relocation, or other issue that can make family life more challenging as your reason for turning down the offer. Instead, it may be savvier to focus on those work-related issues and concerns mentioned earlier.

Regardless of the "why" of your turning down a promotion, it is important to think through all the possible ramifications and be prepared. Saying "no" may be absolutely the right thing for you and your life, but you'll need to put time and care into dealing with it at work, and have a plan for how you will respond if your declining is met with opposition or pressure in the workplace.