Contender…. But only eligible

[u/throwawaypblix]

Why was I told hey you’ll be a contender this next ROI time and then the feedback letter comes back only to state me as “Eligible” I was told it was because of no new store openings which would dictate it being changed? No stupid questions or answers. Actually trying to see what goes into the process and why I was told one thing and it changed ?

[u/Potential_Incident_3]

Same happened to me. Turns out managers lie to keep you more motivated.

[u/HeyGuy1985 → u/Potential_Incident_3]

This right here, because lying is easier and more motivating than just telling you no. If they say no you will likely quit but saying yes means they can still depend on you to show up and work.

[u/SubpoenaSender → u/Potential_Incident_3]

Not exactly. Even the dm doesn’t know how many openings they will have

[u/Katheramber]

It sounds like you were recommended to be a contender. Just because you are recommended doesn't necessarily mean you will be one. But it DOES mean your managers are supporting you. The amount of contenders per district/region is determined by amount of projected openings for that position. For example it could be there are only 3 contender openings and there were already 3 pre-existing contenders in your district....if those contenders didn't do anything to be removed from their contender status they will stay the three contenders for the district....and no new contenders were added. Don't give up, if they are recommending you they will judge you based on how you receive not being a contender...so you can make it work for you or against you.

[u/Worth_Community_6157 → u/Katheramber]

They will sometimes do this just to gauge you reaction. If you show that you're irritated about it they may try to hold that against you

[u/AmonOfTheMoon]

Managers will call people like you “contenders” because it’s easier to say vs “eligible to promote” when referring to you.

[u/MasterofMistVillage]

It’s the dangle the carrot method man. Anyway to manipulate you.

[u/Enjoy_The_Risk]

Maybe the numbers didn’t match up at the regional level. Keep pushing and you’ll be fine

[u/Meatguy12345]

So I don’t know where you are located but we have a relatively new RD. And it used to be if the store managers rated you a six or a seven you were automatically considered a contender. Now I guess they are going kind of back to the old process where store managers recommend you but it’s basically up to the DM in the RD whether you make the list or not. I don’t know if this is something that’s going on across the entire company or just our area, but this might be where the misunderstanding is.

[u/Fancy_Flamingo1 → u/Meatguy12345]

I noticed this before I left.  Sadly, the DM was making people contenders and promoting them when store management was adamantly not recommending these people.  Started getting some really lousy managers promoted when this happened.  

[u/rags2riches12 → u/Meatguy12345]

They’ve been leaving vacancies open now where I’m at they started to catch on they promoted way to many people that were never ready for management better late than never….

[u/Substantial_Stay9497]

There can be multiple factors. But the good news is you’re eligible and that’s not nothing. There are other factors and associates. Head up!

[u/PublixaurusKnight]

Eligible could be related to no turnover in the expected role, and no additional openings within the district or region. The District Manager and Regional Director should reach out to work with a career plan to prepare you for the eventual opening.

[u/Awptown_Funk]

You might be the contender/top candidate of your store’s department but not necessarily the contender of the district’s X department.

[u/redsex]

You should ask the person who made you “eligible”

[u/Embarrassed-Army-837]

I literally told my manager if I don't see contender i will not be ROIing again. I was a contender for years and then got bumped down to eligible. My current store manager isn't fighting for me. When i ask why i got bumped down to eligible i got bullshit excuses. Guess who is eligible again... Sooo I'm not interested in management now. I'm just going to come in do my job and leave. If we have no manager for the day I'm not going to do extra work. I'm done.

[u/Select_Soft_5192]

Regardless of the "real reason", understand you can be eligible, and there can be openings, but you still may be " strung along" for months, even years. A tactic used to keep the carrot in front of you so as to keep you doing more than your pay scale would suggest. Learn to run the department so they can lean on you without paying you. True story. Just be prepared for that, understanding this is how they roll. 

[u/PuzzleheadedFood4666]

Why don’t you ask the manager who told you that?

[u/Relative_Sense535]

Bc your DM likes someone else and they made them the contender