Awkward situation at work - feel really embarassed

[awkwork]

A new department opened up at my workplace. It's similar to other departments but there are a very specifics you need training on. I was trained by my previous manager and before he left he taught me a few things above my job role (that are more the manager's responsibility but we can help with).

My previous manager left and a new manager came to lead the department who had a little bit of training. However, it's a really difficult dynamic to navigate as I know a lot more as I've been in the department since it opened so at my workplace I'm one of the most knowledgeable people about the department even though I'm a junior member of staff.

A few things have happened this week that make me think maybe I'm coming across as a bit of a know-it-all or being unintentionally bossy to my manager. I'm naturally quite quiet so I'm usually careful about how I come across but I'm wondering if maybe I have been a little too much of a know-it-all.

One example was I walked past my manager and another senior member of staff carrying some paperwork. It was 9:00am (start time) and I was already rushing around busily getting stuck into things. They joked as I walked past "ooh don't get in [my name]'s way, she's very important and got places to be" and I kind of laughed it off... Then another time my manager was speaking to the same colleague generally about the department and then said "thank God we have [my name], she's been in charge, she's even been having to tell me what to do".

Do you think they were joking or is there some truth to it? Do you have any advice on how to handle this dynamic?

Those sound like jokes, but tone is everything.

Don’t be embarrassed by your knowledge, ever. If a jokey comment is made again just giggle along and then go “Tell me if I’m stepping on your toes, just really value my job here and want to do my best”.

They sound like idiots. Ask yourself why they need to remind themselves/you that you're junior - you know more than they do, and they know it and lack confidence. Hold your head up and keep on doing your job well.

If your manager feels awkward because you know more, it may have nothing at all to do with how you have come across. I may be a bit out of line here, but I think some people struggle with the quietly competent female and find it easier to ascribe bossiness.

It does sound a bit sly to me. I'd want to somehow address it, turn the joke back to show I'd noticed or similar. Not sure that would be wisest, but I would want them to know I picked up on it without making a fuss.

I think it would be entirely reasonable to have a quiet word on Monday and say something like ‘I’ve noticed you’ve made a couple of jokey comments about me to other people in front of me. I’m hoping they were just a joke but they have made me a bit uncomfortable so just to clarify, is there a genuine issue around the perception that I’m telling you what to do?’

It could just be a poor attempt at ‘new boss’ humour but equally there is a possibility you are coming on a bit strong and this is a poor attempt at trying to let you know. . I am guilty of this myself - I get a bit carried away and what I think is enthusiasm can be annoying and bossy to others if they don’t know me.