Letters to the Editor
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Juniorwells--isn't that a little harsh?
I don't think LW is getting overly dramatic--I mean, the former boss and coworker celebrated when LW left! I agree with you that corporate america is a hellhole, but LW did have a particularly unfriendly experience.
I agree with one of the anonymouses that the mother might have meant "You always try so hard but don't believe in yourself and think that your achievements are meaningless"
Overachievers annoy me, too, but that is partly my own baggage.
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KitchenGirl
With all due respect, if what you're saying is true, they should fire you and give your salary to the glory hog. If she does all of your work before you have a chance to do it, what exactly do they need two people for? Your business isn't there to give you opportunities to learn and show how good you are; it's a business and it's there to make money.
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Busybodies are not necessarily smarter or more competent
With all due respect, if what you're saying is true, they should fire you and give your salary to the glory hog. If she does all of your work before you have a chance to do it, what exactly do they need two people for? Your business isn't there to give you opportunities to learn and show how good you are; it's a business and it's there to make money.
Well, she already has a job of her own, for one thing. And there's tons of other work in my division that isn't getting done at all, if she's looking for something to do.
Your suggestion was actually my contention as well, at least that way I could collect unemployment while I look for a new job, instead of burning down my savings after walking out in despair with nothing lined up. My boss sees it differently. He sees me as the person to do the job, one reason being, I suspect, is that I am much more of a "people person" as they say and don't treat my coworkers and reports like shit in order to get things done the way I want them done.
For example, I don't insert myself into other peoples' business, such as questioning their employees' productivity to *their* boss, with no access to things like, say, vacation schedules or sick day information. That automatically puts me on the defensive and undermines my authority and ability to manage, except of course I know when my staff are out sick or on vacation ahead of time, and don't feel compelled to point out that they don't do any work on those days. Things like that.
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Businesses need trainable employees
And another thing!
Your business isn't there to give you opportunities to learn and show how good you are; it's a business and it's there to make money
That's true, and if they fire me rather than give me the chance to build up my skills -- or even demonstrate the ones I have -- in a crunch they will only have one competent person instead of the two they will inevitably need.
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Mcherbert
You make a good point:
i A boss's job is to manage employees. Employees should not have to manage their bosses.
That's how it should work in theory. However, my experience has been that in the 21st century, most corporate management is upwards.
I'm fortunate to work in a group that has many competent personnel, including my boss who is a gem. No major ego problems there - we are so busy that no one has time to hog the glory, and our group leadership is very experienced and competent, so they don't worry about us stealing thier thunder.
Maybe that's the key - working for a place that's really busy and successful.
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When I grow up, I wanna be a middle manager.
LW -- Actions speak louder than words. Stop saying "No, I don't want your job, I have alot to learn from you." It's one of those unbelievable lines like, "Size doesn't matter" or "The check is in the mail" or "Heckofajob there, Brownie" Even if you mean it, nobody believes it's true when they hear it.
As for advancement, if your corporate culture is not the kind of place where you can openly discuss an advancement path with your manager, then seriously consider leaving. There are a lot of good companies out there. Most have multiple advancement tracks, with the main ones being either "Yes Boss, I'd like to be able to do your job" or "I'd like to expand my role, but I don't see myself managing people."
I created a job function at my company which grew into something that needed an entire team, which needed a manager. I was quite steamed when they gave it to someone else who had a long standing personal and professional relationship with my bosses. I even got to train him and two others, to help them settle into their roles before I took an internal transfer. In time, I was recruited back to be a member of the team; which by then had grown in visibility and importance beyond what I would have achieved. Six months later, the manager was pulled to head a much larger department and I threw my hat into the ring to take his place. I knew the processes inside and out, I had the technical know-how, and I know, I'd have been great at it. I didn't get it. Years later, not a week goes by that I don't secretly thank senior management for giving the job to another one of their cronies. I love working with people, but I don't want any of them reporting to me. I escaped all that personnel crap that comes with management. Death in the family, plumbing emergency, sick cat, flat tire, forgot my ID, not meeting deliverables, appropriate attire conversations, writing performance reviews; it is all someone else's problem. I'm the greatest team player and I'll pitch in when my very capable manager is otherwise committed, but my advancement conversations are about the next product or process that I'll create and hand off to some other team to manage. There is growth potential and career advancement without having to manage direct reports. If aspiring to do your boss's job appeals, then don't be ashamed of it. Every company has a bus-accident plan for their managers. They absolutely are evaluating whether you would make a good replacement for your boss should he/she jump ship, die or get indicted. Don't be shy about building your skill set to do your boss's job. Likewise don't be shy about speaking up when you feel you are ready to move up and onto something new. Either, they disagree and you look to leave, or they agree and you move up. Just remember that wherever you land, you need to be grooming your replacement(s).
And another thing -- if senior management tells you that you are ready, then DO NOT DISAGREE. If you ever saw yourself moving up, you need to be mentally ready when they suggest it. If you don't want it, you can say "I'll contribute in anyway I can, but I don't see myself managing people" or some variation. You won't really 'know' you are ready until you are called on the spot. If you say "not now" what they hear is "no, never."
One last thing - everybody you work with has had their parent(s) say something shitty to them. Use whatever crap your parents dumped on you do understand why your boss is so insecure. He heard it growing up, too. This is not to say you should open up about your own mother while at work, but just know that you aren't the only one.
Best of luck to you.