the 'new guy' at work

alwayssmile123

Hi guys,

Just really looking for some advice.

I recently started a new Job, was on training for a few weeks and am now back in my office. The time is really for me to consolidate my training, get practice in the role, and get advice etc. before starting out properly.

I have a line manager and 2 deputies. One deputy is fine, showing me how to do extra tasks (to help the team whilst they are on leave).

However the second deputy, has taken it upon themselves to keep 'asking' me to to tedious tasks (walking straight past more appropriate staff).

I'm starting to feel a little angry, it's as if this person wants to 'show who's boss', maybe also im an easy target as the new person.

I'm not argumentative by natute, but i dont know how to deal with this...if i carry on agreeing to do these things, im certain that person will carry on. At the same time, i'm new, and on probation, and dont want to seem like a troublemaker.

Any advice on how i could deal with this appreciated,

thanks

gibson123

Or it could be that as you are new you don't have a full workload yet and a gizzilion people e-mailing you, so the 2nd deputy is giving you tasks to keep you busy. It is not clear but I am assuming the deputies are the line manager deputies and not your deputies, therefore senior to you.

If he/she has seniority, then ask for 5 minutes and let him/her know you work more effectively with a list of tasks that you can proactively plan into your schedule rather than ad-hoc bitsy work, and could he/she give some thought on what areas you will be responsible for. Giving bitsy tasks is usually the sign of an inexperienced or unconfident manager. Managers who manage well, will discuss the range of work, the expectations of standards and the expected workload, they will then leave you to get on with it, but offer guidance, support and coaching as appropriate. However this only comes with experience on their part. So you need to "manage the manager".

alwayssmile123

thanks for your input gibson,

yes the 2 deputy's are over me, and i respect that. however, the one who is going out of her way to ask me to do silly tasks is not really supposed to be managing me. In fact they never even looked at, let alone spoke to me, until these duties (which obviously everyone else refuses to do was thrown on me). The 3 weeks are for me to consolidate my training, and on the 3rd week, i have to prove im up to the job.

I have no issues helping out on tasks outside my role, but it feels like im being used as a pawn in a battle for the managers attention.

the 2nd task they asked me to to, i was sitting at my desk with the other deputy (he was showing me somethng quite important that i had to learn quickly and be responsible for whilst hes away), the other deputy interrupts and tells me 'ive printed these notes, would you mind cutting them and sticking them on the files' i know it's a tedius job but someone has to do it. (how small i felt). There are assistants to help me out...yet she comes to me for this?

im know im chatting on...dunno...

i have plenty of research im supposed to do and have been training gibson....and my workload if full...and not their responsibility.

gibson123

First off all try to simply assert yourself by saying, "Let me finish what I am doing and I will talk to you about this when I am finished with (2nd deputy) or if it's urgent why don't you ask (one of the assistants) if they can do it sooner.

But basically ask for a 3 week review with your line manager, to clarify your role, what you are responsible for and who you are responsible to. Also ask what support he/she expects you to give the deputies and if you get the opportunity explain you feel a bit like "piggy in the middle" as the deputies try to assert their position with you. The sooner you establish your role in the team the better it is.

Good luck.

getmore4less

Have a chat with the line manager about the situation.

Explain is as you have done here but perhaps emphasise that A is very supportive and you feel you will be ready to take on their roll when on holiday BUT with B you are not so sure.

What you wnt is a list of things that take priority for the 3 weeks.


All jobs have tedious boring bits and if this stuff is normaly done by juniors it does no harm getting a feel for it but as you say not the most productive use of the time.

The other thing you need to learn quickly is the office politics and pecking orders.

If A did not say anything when B interepted you should have asked A what they thought with something like is B always like this interupting people seems a bit rude, to try and deaw out some info.

gibson123

getmore4less wrote: »

H

The other thing you need to learn quickly is the office politics and pecking orders.

If A did not say anything when B interepted you should have asked A what they thought with something like is B always like this interupting people seems a bit rude, to try and deaw out some info.

Sorry I can't agree with this, try not to talk about other members of staff especially if it is potentially inviting derogatory comments, if you get drawn in, you will be seen as taking sides. Their relationship is their problem and for them and their line manager to sort out.

alwayssmile123

thanks for replies guys, i have a monthly review with manager on monday. So i will explain how i feel. 'deputy A' said nothing and kind of walked off...i don't blame her.

And the 'office' politics are clear...many of my colleagues are openly critical of our manager (and deputy's to an extent), but i have gone in there open minded...and not to talk about staff with other staff. i want to try and remain neutral.

i especially like ur advice about 'let me finish what i'm doing........' gibson. i need to sort out my head, coz im allowing it to drain my confidence, and actually feel myself getting 'smaller'.

truth the time she took to get to me(all across the large office) she could have done the task already.

i just wished i cud get through probation without an issue like this

gibson123

alwayssmile you will soon settle, when I start worrying about other people's affect on me I remember Eleanor Roosevelt who said "no-one can make you feel inferior without your consent"

alwayssmile123

thanks alot for your words gibson, and your right.and what an inspiring line...
Time for me to stop acting like a wimp i think

Acc72

alwayssmile123 wrote: »

Time for me to stop acting like a wimp i think

I don't think that you have been acting like a wimp.

It appears that you "take orders" for want of a better phrase from your manager, and also 2 deputies.

At your review, just say that you want to do your best for the company and it would help you to prioritise your work if you could clarify the organisation structure.

RuthnJasper

alwayssmile123 wrote: »

thanks alot for your words gibson, and your right.and what an inspiring line...
Time for me to stop acting like a wimp i think

I don't think you are a wimp. These situations are often hard to deal with - but you did the right thing in asking for impartial advice before tackling the issue, rather than barrelling in, saying something daft and then asking for advice on how you should have handled things and how you can sort out the new mess!

Hope all turns out well. Best wishes. xx