I am beyond fucking frustrated at this point. I feel pretty confident that I was just blocked from getting a position at work because they believe the current team I am on will fall a part without me. I’ve asked for a backup for years but they never got one for me. I have great folks on my team but despite knowledge transfers, they just don’t get it. I am ready to grow within the company, develop better soft skills, learn more about the other groups etc. but I don’t have the opportunity to. Also, I was passed up for someone outside of our group to manage our team a few years back despite being the lead since day 1. That’s two promotions I’ve been denied despite getting exceeds on every review I’ve ever had. I am so pissed that they would do that to me.

@Jilano My boss and director both talked to me about it and tried to convince me that they did not block the role. It’s all bullshit. The position got placed on hold by the CIO management office right after I interviewed. I don’t think that’s a coincidence.

If they are truely blocking you because the team would fail without you, you can show them it's not really their choice that you remain there. You can get an offer from another company and show them they need to make a choice, because you want to grow.

But to do this, you must be ready to leave if they say no.

If you really want to stay with the company, put your leadership skills into improving the team's knowledge so they can fill in for you. When you are a leader, it's not expected that they have to find you a back up, if you can coach someone into your position. You say they just don't get it, but why is that? Do they miss the motivation? Do they lack the means to learn? You should find the root cause, and discuss it with your superiors. Propose a solution. They might want to see more initiative from you. Or maybe they don't, but may still like your solution, go for it, and have the team improve.

But in any case, make sure you discuss your concerns with your manager. It is possible you are mistaken about their reasons not to promote you. It is also possible they don't know you want the extra responsibility.

@CodeNoir I already have. We have several junior developers on our team that need time to also grow. It is management’s opinion that it will fall a part if I am not around. I don’t think it will but it will force folks to step up for sure and they have lots of people who want to step into a lead role outside of our small team. I’ve tried everything to motivate folks to become more involved etc. I’ve asked for senior developers in order to have people with more experience to serve different roles on the team and I don’t have them. It’s as if I am stuck if I choose to stay with my current company. They know my intentions and my goals for my career as well. We’ve had many talks.

@xzvf great idea!

If it bothers you that much just get another job. There are plenty of companies that treat their employees right no reason to stay with a company that doesn't.