Not an AIBU - But how to prove that new boss is snake-oil sales(wo)man

[VladmirsPoutine]

We recently hired a new director. Her job is a sort of over-seeing eye over the whole operation. I think she's had enough time to get to grips with the nitty gritty of it all but she still always seems to lack direction and ideas - or those she thinks of aren't possible within the workforce/capabilities/timeframe - delete as appropriate.

I've had a look around about her online and she's had 2 failed businesses and the role from which she joined us wasn't typical for the role.

I don't know what HR was thinking neither the board, but she's just not cut out for it. I should add, I'm not after her role either - I'm yet to reach that grade but I'd like to think that the person who is should be more than capable.

This has basically resulted in me not knowing exactly what my targets are and even if I figure out how to achieve them I don't know what to use or how I can. I feel like I'm going to have a fall but won't have as much protection as her. I'm easy to let go of. Her not so much. I don't even know much about how she got appointed but I can see a huge edge cliff with me facing down and her supping tea.

How should I approach this?

Whoever hired her did so for a reason, her past failed businesses are irrelevant. Go the manager/direct boss who is over her head and discuss our concerns that are relevant about your job with them.

Most new businesses fail; unless her position makes her directly/solely responsible for growing and maintaining this business, I wouldn't let it color things too much.

Address the facts. "Boss, I'm unclear on my targets for the next quarter. Could we sit down and go over that so I can be sure I'm working in the right direction, and in the manner expected?"

If that doesn't work, go to her supervisor and explain you're having trouble hammering that out.

OP it's frustrating when a boss seems useless. However it's work, not a friendship, you need to stay detached for your own sanity. Keep the conversation firmly on issues directly affecting you e.g. your targets etc. Don't get dragged into a shitstorm. Play defensive (get everything documented in writing e.g. email a summary after every meeting, keep a copy of every email and document time spent and every piece of work you are doing, etc.) Hopefully you won't need it but better to collect evidence now for future use should you need to evidence the work you're doing. Really hope new boss gets up to speed soon and turns out to be ok.

Maybe she's been brought in to review and drive the strategy of business in a different direction rather that focus on day to day activities? Her previous experience maybe relevant. It doesn't help you though if she's not into the detail and therefore i would do as others suggest, try and clarify your objectives and get everything in writing, following up meetings with your actions so you have a record.

How recently was she appointed?

Presumably you have pre-existing 2016 personal objectives you have been working towards thru this year, before she arrived? Can you meet with her to clarify those, and gain agreement on what you'll deliver, so you can be credited for your work?

Then you'll need her to set your next year objectives, including any resources you need to deliver those.