No Guidance from New Manager

mixenvixen

Hi All,

I started a new job around a week ago as a team manager and my stress levels are through the roof. I've come home every night in tears and I don't know what to do anymore.

On my first day I was given a computer and phone and pretty much told to 'get on with it'. I was told there would be an induction to show me how to use all the systems however despite asking several times this has not materialised.

I have been given no clear objectives and despite being here a week my line manager has not spared himself even 10 minutes to set expectations. I then have daily team manager meetings where we are told off as a group for not completing tasks that have never been given to me. I come in to work an hour early and leave late, I haven't taken a single break since working here- not even for lunch. The only 'guidance' given to me by my manager after 3 days of this was 'not be seen having breaks'.

I am a quick learner and when people show me how to do something I am usually pretty quick at picking it up. I also have no problems using my initiative. However as no-one has gone through with me any processes, expectations or systems with me I am finding that the only way I find out a system exists is if I happen to see someone else using it and then can ask how it works or get told off for not using a system that I 'should have been using'.

I was wondering if anyone has been in a similar position? Or have any ideas where to go from here? Or maybe just tell me that I am overacting!

Thanks

maninthestreet

Does your new employer have an HR department?

mixenvixen

They do have a HR department. Do you think this would be the best solution in my first week? I have thought about this however, I am concerned that this would start things off on a bad foot.

jobbingmusician

I think I would write to HR stating that I had received no induction so far, and asking if there is an induction checklist so that I can start informing myself about things I should know about. This shows willing, but makes the point.....:p

FBaby

How about you arranging to meet with your boss? Can you email him saying you would welcome 1 hour meeting to catch up on a number of things. Ask his PA or colleagues if they have access to his diary and see when he might be free and suggest a meeting date and time when you know he is.

To be honest that's the type of initiative that would be expected at management level where I work.

mixenvixen

Thanks FBaby. I did actually have a meeting arranged with him yesterday to do exactly this, however he cancelled because he was too busy.

I might take jobbingmusicians advice however send the e-mail to my line manager with a reasonable timescale. If I don't receive feedback, then I think it may be time to approach HR.

DomRavioli

OP, go straight to HR. It is their job, don't mess about with your line manager, they sound incompetent at best.

InsideInsurance

Were you hired as an experienced team manager or is this your first time (obviously by what you said not necessarily what reality is)?

As you are having team manager meetings you evidently have peers so what are they saying/ doing?

How many bespoke systems are there? Realistically as a man manager how much do you need to use these?

"Induction" normally is just the fluffy HR stuff about the company, benefits, fire exits etc rather than what to do in a day job.

Yorkie1

InsideInsurance wrote: »

"Induction" normally is just the fluffy HR stuff about the company, benefits, fire exits etc rather than what to do in a day job.

Not necessarily true.

We have formal induction plans which last 3 months and are designed to ensure all staff have the tools and skills for the job. It gets them productive in a phased way - so is very effective.

If the line manager hasn't even set out the performance objectives for the OP then it's a pretty poor show.

getmore4less

use your peers.

also team manager use your team

MidlandsGirl

Funnily enough, I went through a similar situation in a new job. I was dismissed today, one week before the end of my probation period. Actually it was not funny at all, but you get my drift.

They've said I'm not a good fit for the company, but in reality, I received no support, training, meetings or guidance from my line manager. I tried using my initiative but got slammed for it.

It sounds similar to Mixenvixen's situation (though I hope you settle in and don't get sacked like me)

I don't think I have grounds on unfair dismissal because I've been with the company less than two years. But does anyone know if there is anything I can do when the line manager was wholly unsupportive and impeded my ability to do a good job?