Do I say anything before applying/interview?

[StuckSoutherner]

Okay I'm going to be vague because situation quite outing but I will hopefully be able to give enough to get some advice! So, 3 years ago I left my substantive role to go on a development secondment. Came back 18 months ago as Head of the team I had left. Relations were never great - 13 women, very few of who like each other but 3 main ringleaders. No question that it's bullying but no backing from senior managers to address it. Anyway, a job is coming up in another department in the NY. It's in an area that interests me, I already have 85% of the skills to do it and training is provided for the rest. The difficulty is that the recruiting manager is only just back from sick leave that's lasted 9 months because of bullying by a member of the group I've been left as Head Of. Said manager knows I'm experiencing it too and I'm worried that my application may be seen as an escape from existing job rather than because it's a good development opportunity in an area I'm already interested in. I have a fairly good working relationship with recruiting manager, do I tell them I'm thinking of applying and want to deal with the elephant in the room as I don't want them to think I'm applying to get out of current unit, or do I say nothing and home they don't think that's the case?

[maxelly]

Hi - I think you might be overthinking this a bit. If it was me I wouldn't say anything and just apply for it.

We've had situations at work before where it's pretty clear, without anything explicitly being said, that someone wants to move role to get away from a difficult colleague or manager. Whilst I am generally sympathetic, it doesn't really change my attitude to them getting the role either positively or negatively, I would always be objectively assessing their suitability and if they are the best candidate they will get it anyway (and if not they won't!). I don't really see what bringing it up will achieve TBH, it will probably just result in an awkward conversation (as could come across as you being a bit nosy about the reasons for the manager's sick leave) and/or the manager having a bit of a 'methinks the lady doth complain too much' moment if you deliberately seek her out to try and explain you aren't trying to get away from these known nightmare people despite the fact that this would probably be at least a factor in wanting to make a move for most people?

I suppose I would probably have an answer ready in case s/he brings it up at some point in the process though, probably a bright and breezy 'oh yes that is a challenging group to manage but I have done ABC to improve the situation and achieved DEF as a result. I now feel I am ready for XYZ challenges/development for the next step in my career?' Also have a really good answer prepared for why you want the role to make your motivation clear?

[Franksinatra]

Did I understand this correctly? The recruiting manager was off sick for 9 months due to bullying from members of your team?
How did you deal with the bullies? Did you start any investigation or disciplinary action?
I think that would be my concern if I was hiring. I'd not think about your reasons for moving, I'd doubt your ability to manage a team that had caused me so much distress.
Sorry if I've understood it wrong.

[TheLittlestLightOnTheTree]

Just apply for it.

But the bullying? That would be something I'd be addressing with or without support from senior management!

[Alfie190]

I also would be more concerned about my having let bullying go on by my team members for so long. You sound out of your depth as a head of department.

[flowery]

So you've been Head of a team for 18 months. Bullying has been happening in your team on your watch which has not been addressed. The person recruiting for the job you want to apply for has been bullied so badly by a member/members of your team that she's been off sick for nine months? Is that all correct?

If the recruiting manager has been off sick because of being bullied by a member of your team, are you sure you have a good relationship with him/her?!

[Iloveautumnleaves]

If I felt I could have that conversation, I would. However, if I wasn’t sure I’d probably just say ‘in passing’ that I was going to apply for it because xyz really interests me and enthuse about the position a bit.

[daisychain01]

I can understand you're in a dilemma, being the victim of bullying and knowing the recruiting manager is being subjected to the same, but how is it going to resolve things by running away from the problem?

Surely as an officer of the company, you are divested of powers to enact company policy in terms of bullying, you have the authority to throw the book at the person and put them through a disciplinary procedure with HR (if you have one, presumably?).

If you're saying 'senior management' aren't taking action, that's because you aren't playing your part in trying to eliminate the problem.

What form does the bullying take?

[icklekid]

Whilst you might be right that the new opportunity excited you I doubt anyone will be surprised you want to leave your current team. If you get the job or not I really think you need to push hr for the bullying to be dealt with and force senior leaders to act.