"I Got My PMP, But My Manager Is Ignoring Me"

First of all, earning your PMP certification is a huge achievement. You’ve completed a challenging process and proven your professional competence on an international level. However, it can be frustrating if your manager ignores this success — because it’s natural to expect recognition. So how can you deal with this situation in a mature, strategic way without exhausting yourself emotionally?

1. Remember Your True Purpose

Why did you get your PMP certification?

• To become a more competent professional?

• To lead better projects?

• To invest in yourself?

If you base this success on your own development rather than external validation, you’ll remain emotionally stronger. Think:

“Even if my manager doesn’t acknowledge it, I know I earned this achievement.”

2. Try to Understand Your Manager’s Attitude

Not every lack of recognition stems from bad intentions. Consider the following:

• They may have noticed your achievement but simply don’t know how to respond.

• They may be suppressing their emotions out of fear of losing you.

• If they don’t have a PMP themselves, they might be distancing themselves to avoid comparison.

In other words, their silence may come from insecurity or fear, not indifference.

3. Bring It Up Indirectly

Instead of directly asking, “Why didn’t you congratulate me?”, you can weave your success into the conversation naturally:

“I’d like to apply some of the tools I learned during the PMP process in our upcoming project — for example, in risk assessment…”

Statements like this subtly remind them of your achievement while offering added value.

4. Ask for Development (A Subtle Promotion Attempt)

Even if your manager doesn’t recognize your success, you can still turn it into a career opportunity:

“I believe I’m ready to take on more responsibility in projects. With the PMP certification, I could contribute more in areas like scheduling or stakeholder management.”

This not only prompts recognition but may also open the door to new opportunities.

5. Take on a Mentorship Role

Your success could inspire others on your team. Offer a short internal training or share your experience:

“If you’d like, I can give the team a brief overview of the PMP process. It might be useful.”

This boosts your visibility and places you in a position your manager can no longer overlook.

6. Strengthen Your Inner Appreciation Mechanism

Maybe it’s time to rely less on external validation and more on internal appreciation. Remind yourself:

“Whether others notice or not, I achieved this. It’s now part of who I am.”

Because sometimes, silence can be louder than a promotion — but it should never halt your growth.

7. Consider Alternatives If Necessary

If your achievement continues to be ignored, your contributions undervalued, and this becomes a recurring pattern, ask yourself:

• Is there another organization or position that would value me more?

• Is there a better place to leverage this accomplishment?

This success might be the key to unlocking new doors.

Summary

• Internalize your success.

• Analyze why your manager may be silent.

• Bring up your achievement naturally.

• Ask for more responsibility.

• Consider new opportunities if needed.

For PMP Certification: Istanbul Kurumsal Gelişim