It’s a situation that occurs at many companies: An employee’s frustrated after missing out on a promotion he thought he deserved and quits his job. One reason that happens so often:

Managers give employees the wrong expectations.

Good staffers are often told they’re in line for a big promotion — even if they’re really just one of several people in the running.

Then, once someone else is chosen, morale problems begin and the employees may try to get a higher-level position at a different company.

Managers need to be careful about making promises and discussing details about the future before they’re final. A better strategy: Tell employees why they didn’t get the promotion — and what they need to do to have a shot at it down the road.

That will keep employees in touch with reality and give them an incentive to improve their performance and gain new skills.

Tags: morale, promises, promotions