Have you ever been in line for a promotion or a transfer to a new role only to find out your boss was quashing your efforts to make that leap? Here are some tips on how to deal with a boss sabotaging your career.

Many of us have been there—you hear about a cool new role somewhere else in the company. You think, “I’m a perfect fit for that!” You speak with the hiring manager and get even more excited about the role.

Because you’re a good person, you decide to tell your boss you’re interested in the new role (instead of pursuing it behind their back). They agree—you’d be a perfect fit for the job, and it would be a great stepping stone for your career.

You ask your boss for their support in the form of serving as a reference for you. They say they’re happy to speak on your behalf and tell everyone how awesome you are in an effort to help you get the role.

You go for your interview and do a fantastic job. You think, “This thing is a lock! I’ve totally got this.”

Then it happens.

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