5 early signs you're getting sidelined at work & what to do about it

Are you suddenly realising that all chances of career advancement or growth have dried up? Or are you feeling alone and isolated at your workplace more than ever? Then you may be getting marginalised or sidelined. If you are suspicious that you are losing your influence or power within your organisation then keep reading on how to confirm if you are being sidelined and how to deal with it.

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Signs that you are being sidelined at your workplace

1) Diminished accountabilities

The most easily noticeable tellings of you being sidelined is a reduction in your job responsibilities. You are noticing that somehow tasks that are more important or receive more recognition seem to be disappearing from your to-do lists and are replaced with more mundane or less relevant ones.

2) Exclusion from important meetings

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Do you find that invitations to significant meetings, conversations, or decision-making sessions pertaining to your position are not being extended to you or are outrightly being withdrawn? If yes, it may be discouraging and cause you to lose motivation to perform well in your position.

3) Lack of appreciation

If you are consistently being passed over for promotions, appraisals or new work opportunities within the organisation then it is a clear sign that your manager does not care about your career advancement and does not consider you a valuable member of the team.

4) Transfer to projects with lower priority

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If you are being transferred to report to someone with less authority or being put to work on a project that has little to do with your job responsibilities or is of less relevance to the organisation is called being marginalised which is a clear sign of being sidelined.

5) Reduced assistance and resources

A decline in resources or support accessible to you can indicate that either you or your role is altogether being sidelined by the firm. This can also be a strategic move to diminish your influence within the organisation.

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How to deal with being sidelined at work

Even if you have come to the conclusion that you are being sidelined at work, all hope is not lost. Employ these 5 techniques to navigate the workplace and deal with being sidelined.

1) Initiate a conversation

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Discuss your concerns and issues and get a performance evaluation from your manager or supervisor in an honest and open dialogue. A tough discussion might help you face your worst anxieties head-on and help you make a smart decision on how to move on to the next phase of your life.

2) Covertly massage some egos

While ideally, an employee's work speaks for itself, in real life networking and appeasing your superior often goes longer in creating a better impression. Covertly indulge in a little strategic buttering and flattery if you feel that can work in your favour.

3) Record your successes

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Irrespective of whether you are being sidelined or not, it is always a wise decision to document your successes at your work. A record of your achievements and contributions to showcase your value to your supervisors always comes in handy whether you are using them at your annual performance review or when you are sharing your grievances.

4) Consult an advisor

Take feedback from your close coworkers or a trusted advisor to gain an impartial review of your performance. Honestly get your work and performance evaluated by them to understand where the problem lies. Also, make it a point to discuss with others in your team if the feelings of being sidelined are mutual.

5) Explore alternative prospects

Finally, if nothing seems to be working and the feeling of being sidelined remains consistent, introspect and make an informed decision regarding your future. Once you have come to the conclusion, it may be time to have a candid conversation with HR and explore alternative work prospects within or outside the organisation.

While being sidelined by your superior feels extremely disheartening and can affect your emotional well-being and self-confidence, always remember that more often than not clear communication solves the problem and if it doesn't there are a ton of opportunities available to you in the market!

Also Read: 8 habits of successful people that you should add on to your daily life

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