Boss's shoes

zas31

Hi,
It so happens that I have 5y+ of niche, unique experience in a specific field (with people reporting to me in the past). Recently got assigned to a new line manager (LM) who has no previous experience in the area (that the LM is responsible for) or managing the team. The new team that the LM has subsequently built had very little or no experience either. A lot of my time is now spent on "transferring the knowledge" to the team including the LM. In life I like to follow the "love it or leave it" rule. In this case I know something needs to change. I could:

1. Force the LM to step aside or stand down
2. Move internally
3. Move to another organisation

Any advice on challenging the LM's fit for the role would be appreciated.

jessicamb

Ive been in a similar situation to you before now - my honest advice is look for another job. If you think you are worth the managers job and they havent given it to you then seek it out elsewhere. Since the company gave the job to the new manager they will stick by them at least until they are proven totally incompetent (which may or may not happen) so you are onto a losing battle there. Moving internally sounds ideal if there are places to move to as you can keep all your current knowledge/credentials without having to start at the beginning in a new role.

sharkie

I strongly agree with jessicamb. By giving you a new line manager, they are saying that the do not think you are qualified for the job, or even suitable and you have reached your peek having no more to give. Even if you are able to do more and provide a greater service, now they have two people with similar qualification, one on the cheap and one with no experience for which they are paying , bu that person si deemed able to grow to greatness.

If you complain, they may do something, but often the company will string you along and get you to jump through hoops, then eventually at the end make you feel grateful.

If you have 'grown up' in the company, sometimes you are looked upon as the baby, no matter how qualified you are

If the director walks in tomorrow said 'we made a mistake, you now have the job', I would still leave because I know that I was always the second choice or fall back person. I would not want that but you might?

The job that person left do they still have a vacancy and does it pay more than you are currently on?

getmore4less

For the company it is the sensible thing to do,

They need more people with the knowledge to avoid problems if you leave.

Emmzi

they may also be saying 'you aren't ready yet'. Chat with new boss about how you get ready to do their job, before you make a decision?

Zazen999

zas31 wrote: »

I could:

1. Force the LM to step aside or stand down
2. Move internally
3. Move to another organisation

How

ohreally

Zazen999 wrote: »

How

I'm intrigued.

Op, how do you intend to force the issue?

CFC

zas31 wrote: »

Hi,
It so happens that I have 5y+ of niche, unique experience in a specific field (with people reporting to me in the past). Recently got assigned to a new line manager (LM) who has no previous experience in the area (that the LM is responsible for) or managing the team. The new team that the LM has subsequently built had very little or no experience either. A lot of my time is now spent on "transferring the knowledge" to the team including the LM. In life I like to follow the "love it or leave it" rule. In this case I know something needs to change. I could:

1. Force the LM to step aside or stand down


Any advice on challenging the LM's fit for the role would be appreciated.

My advice is that you grow up and stop being so up yourself.

If you challenge your LMs fitness for role you will simply be marking yourself as completely unpromotable within your current team.

You are transferring your knowledge to the team as you have specific technical experience. You have not been promoted to the LM job as you were not identified as management material at this time. This shows in your attitude - if you understood how companies work, you'd understand that you can never force out a LM.

Approach your LM and tell him/her that you want progression and you'd like him/her to write you a PDP which will help you fulfill that ambition. Be supportive and helpful and get yourself a good rep amongst the management level team - yes, we do all talk to each other about our guys - the good, the bad and the ugly.

If that's not for you, then vote with your feet.

prowla

Perhaps the line manager's job is to manage the line, rather than work it.

Reds-on-Sea

I've been in a similar situation for the last 5 years. I'm the only person who does my job, so I just get lumped in with another dept. This has resulted in me having a manager/foreman who has no clue as to what I do/how I do it. It's caused trouble in the past as my old manager was a numpty who was on a power trip trying to tell me how to do things he hadn't a clue about. luckily he eventually left (asked to leave). His replacement just lets me get on with what I do best, although I am a tiny bit resentful that I have so much more education & experience than him , but he gets paid more than me, but I fear that this maybe due to the fact that my company is institutionally sexist & racist! I can't prove it, and wouldn't be able to do anything about it, but have seen it time & time again for the last 6 yrs.

I am voting with my feet & trying very hard to find something new. I wouldn't recommend trying to belittle your current manager, just concentrate on doing your job well and live in hope that it will eventually get noticed & rewarded.

either that, or find something else.

eamon

This is one of the classic conundrums of management within the workplace. "Do we grow our own managers or hire from an external pool?" Often there are no obvious internal candidates or at least none that have been groomed.
For you I think we need the following questions answered. Was this role advertised? Could you have applied? Did you apply? If the answer is yes, no, no. Then you really have no case against the LM as it is not his/her fault that you feel this way. Alternatively if the answer was yes, yes, yes then could it be that you are feeling bitter about not getting the job. Lastly many LM's like to set their own stall up and create a team in their image. It so happens that you are the one with special knowledge in this instance. In a matter of time others in the team will also have that knowledge and in doing so make you less special. Is this your real fear?