Stalled-Out Sam: Handling a Tough Manager and Unfair Reviews After a Promotion

Episode: Stalled-Out Sam: Handling a Tough Manager and Unfair Reviews After a Promotion

Link: https://thehrmediators.captivate.fm/episode/stalled-out-sam-handling-a-tough-manager-and-unfair-reviews-after-a-promotion

What this episode’s about:

A high-achieving employee lands a big promotion, only to end up with a new manager whose dismissive feedback and low ratings threaten to overshadow her success and leave her questioning her future. We explore how to navigate performance reviews that feel unfair, along with the difficult dynamics and personal stress that often accompany them.

Why listen:

If you’ve ever felt undervalued by a manager, struggled with confusing or unhelpful feedback, or wondered whether to stay or leave the job, this episode offers both compassion and actionable strategies. We explore HR-insider perspectives, conflict-resolution tools, and mental-health considerations to help you chart a clear and confident path forward.

Key takeaways

1. Clarity is power: Seek specific, actionable feedback using structured communication tools. Review and decide whether to stay or go.

2. You have options: HR, skip-level conversations, networking, and mental-health support can all be part of a healthy strategy during a difficult situation at work.

3. Your wellbeing matters: Daily stress signals a deeper issue. Taking care of your emotional health is essential, whether that means “blooming where you’re planted” or making a thoughtful exit.

Resources

• Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman
• TED talk by Tim Ferriss: Why you should define your fears instead of your goals - Amazing (and short) TED talk from Tim Ferriss about how to analyze and navigate your fears! Highly recommend.
• Don't Fall for the Sunk Cost Fallacy: Tips for Smarter Life Decisions
• Nonviolent Communication - book by Marshall Rosenberg, PhD

In this show, we reference another The HR Mediators episode which covers performance reviews. That episode is Episode 6, Frustrated Fred, release date 12/23/25.

Reach out for guidance: [e-mail]

Website: TheHRMediators.com

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About the show

Workplace conflict is inevitable, but with Karen & Kendra’s mix of HR savvy, mediation experience, psychology insights, and humor, you’ll learn to turn conflict into connection.

Credits

Music: Farben by MagnusMoone

Notes

If this helped, please follow the show and send this episode to at least one coworker. Rate & review: A quick ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ on your podcast platform of choice helps others find us.

Hosts

Karen Gleason & Kendra Beseler

© 2025 The HR Mediators

Privacy note: These are inspired by real experiences, but we change all identifying details, adjust timelines, and blend similar accounts.