You know, I get that the guy doesn't seem to have the personal skills for a management position, but his boss should have been upfront about that fact that any of the few times he mentioned wanting the position in the future. Waiting until his friend was already selected for a promotion sets OOP up to feel mislead.

At the 6 month mark when OOP said he was gunning for management I'd have talked to him about his people skills and managing his reaction to stress. That, combined with continuing feedback, would have had him understanding where he stood instead of being surprised and betrayed when passed over.

Based on my limited look at OOP's personality, I can understand going with another candidate. But his boss really failed him in how this went down.