What it Means to be Demoted
One day you walk into work and you are the office manager, but there is something fishy going on. The district manager is in your office and he wants to talk to you. It could be that the office had record sales for the year, or it could mean that your job is in jeopardy. After a few tense minutes it comes to pass that your worst fears have been realized. You have been demoted. What does this mean?
A demotion is the exact opposite of a promotion. A promotion is where an employee is moved up in the company and it usually carries with it a raise and other perks. A demotion is where an employee loses some authority, moves back down in the company to some degree and might have to take a pay cut to stay on the job.
The type of demotion that an employee receives depends on what the company feels is lacking. Sometimes an employee will simply step down from a post, but might not lose any money because of it. An employee might be relocated to another job, or might still be in a management post, but just not as high up on the corporate ladder.
There are many reasons why an employee will be demoted. It could simply be that the employee doesn't have the skills needed to lead people. Either that person doesn't understand the job, or just has a hard time with people. It could simply be that the person doesn't have enough experience yet, and the demotion is simply temporary to help the employee gain more experience before re-assuming the position they currently hold.
A demotion doesn't necessarily have to be a bad thing, but it is rarely a desired result. Sometimes a demotion can help an employee go in a new direction with their career. A demotion could help the employee realize that there is no sense in making a career out of their current profession. Either way, a demotion says you are not good enough, or not ready for the level that the employee is currently at.
Demotions hurt, but they can be something that a person learns from. It might sting to be told that you aren't good enough to do the job anymore, but it can be a liberating moment if learned from and taken in a mature, professional manner. All that matters it that you do better next time.
