Recently, I moved to a new office within the company I've worked for
for nearly three years.  I was under the impression that I was going
to be a Team Leader, as that was what I applied for and supposedly was
interviewed for - I even confirmed it a few weeks after the move.

Through a series of events, it has turned out that the position I
originally applied for had been filled before I even had my interview
and that I am officially *not* a Team Leader.  It's only now that I've
been there for a couple of months and coming out of the training
period that this has come to light.

I really enjoy working for my company, I like my new job regardless
and I know that eventually, if I carry on in the same vein I have
been, I will be promoted. I can understand that mistakes happen
(people don't transfer between offices very often) and this does seem
to be a genuine mistake, certainly the managers have been very
verbally apologetic over the matter and are concerned that I don't
leave over the matter.

I probably wouldn't have chosen to move offices had I not been offered
what I thought was a Team Leader position.  I don't regret moving at
all, there's more opportunity where I am now than where I was but I
feel that I deserve more than a promise of support, development (which
I would likely get anyway) and a verbal apology from my immediate
manager.

I have been informed that under UK law, I would have a good case to
take this to an employment tribunal.  Given that I don't want to upset
people by rocking the boat and I've only known these managers three
months, how should I phrase a letter requesting a formal apology from
the company for their mistake (after which I would probably consider
the matter closed)?

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Clarification of Question by bariau-ga on 08 Jun 2006 12:38 PDT

I would also like to know, if possible, if there are any resources
that relate to this sort of situation and could help me in
negotiations.

Thank you.

It sounds to me like you've already gotten your apology:

>>>...this does seem to be a genuine mistake, certainly the managers
have been very verbally apologetic over the matter...<<<

What more do you require from them? I think maybe you should consider
the matter closed now and call it a day.

It seems to me that pushing for further apologies is likely to do you
far more harm than good. The only thing you stand to gain is personal
satisfaction, but you stand to lose the goodwill of your employer,
which is a very valuable thing indeed.

I agree, and also think that if you reread your question, you may
recognize that you have expressed this yourself, perhaps using your
question to "get it off your chest", which is a good idea, rather like
writing a vicious letter and then tearing it up the next morning.

Good luck.

I feel I should point out here that this, to me, is a serious matter
and has affected my self esteem.

I feel that I have been made to look foolish in front of my peers (as
I have been telling them that I am a Team Leader when I am not), no
manager has explained this sudden change in job to my peers, I have
had to.  The respect I have built up has been shattered.  It wouldn't
surprise me if people thought I had lied or twisted things to my own
end, when I feel I behaved with the utmost integrity.  The pay
difference between the two jobs is also significant.  I left my job
where I had respect, friends and enormous support from my manager for
this "promotion" which has not happened.

I feel that two verbal apologies, one from my Team Manager (who had
nothing to do with my application at all) and one from the man who
interviewed me is not enough to rectify the wrong that I have
sustained.

Thank you for your comments, I do appreciate what you are saying but
all I want to ask them to do is write an official letter saying that
none of this was my doing, partially for my own peace of mind,
partially because I feel I deserve more than an "I'm sorry this
happened" from my immediate manager and partially because I want proof
in case it causes problems in the future.

I agree with the above comments, but would like to add from my own
experience of managing someone who did not got get what they expected.

Put the past behind you.  Being bitter or resentfull will damage your
image in the eyes of your manager and will ultimately do more harm
than good.

But, use the opportunity to formally lay out a plan for you to achieve
your goals.  Tell you manager (and your manager's manager) that you
would like to be considered for a team lead position.  Hopefully, you
have a formal system of recording and tracking career goals.  If not,
ask your manager to write down the qualities and capabilities that you
need to display to earn the promotion to team lead.

You also need to act the part of the team lead.  It is tricky to be
something that you are not, but always be on the lookout for ways to
help your current team lead.  If your lead drops the ball, you should
pick it up without asking.  Be helpful without being pushy.

At the next review period or when the need for a new team lead arises,
sit down with the manager who will make the decision and show him/her
the written qualities and capabilities of a team lead, and show
him/her how you have demonstrated these qualities and capabilities.

There is no guarantee, and I have not even mentioned office politics,
but a good manager would be stupid to overlook someone who has made
such a good case for promotion.