What To Do With The Runner-Up?

Sometimes we have a difficult decision when making a choice between two good people on who gets promoted. If you have two people who expect the promotion, the one who doesn't get it is going to end up with hurt feelings, be de-motivated, and possibly quit. What do you do? You must sit down face to face with the employee not chosen and given them the reason for not being picked. Assure them that there are chances for advancement in the future. Suggest the types of training that will give them the knowledge and skills to move up the ladder. Create a career plan, setting some goals, so they can get to the next levels. Let them know of other future opportunities that will come up. If you show that you are genuinely interested in their future, the chances of them leaving are greatly diminished.