Because of my background I am the kind of person to jump in and help when I see a need.
Now I am in a senior professional role. I'm not management, but I have specialist work I'm responsible for.
In my small office, management are dropping the ball. This is causing confusion and frustration among staff. They come to me for solutions because real management literally not here. I have no standing to put any solutions in place. (If I did I'd put some PIP in place).
I've just so far pleasantly said, "Don't know, ask [manager]." I've set an example to other staff by quietly getting on with my own work and not picking up slack of others' jobs. (Invoices not getting paid? Oh dear, I don't have authority to sign checks so here's the direct contact for [manager].)
I've got an appointment booked with manager to discuss.
But in the meantime staff are coming to me with conflicts like "Janey needs to do the post like this.. What about this big client with a deadline "?
The thing is, it's all way above my remit and pay grade. But I like these people and want to help.
I suspect management want me to be a sort of deputy/team lead for no payrise, which no.
But I need some stockphrases to keep from getting sucked in.
Just now I literally had a staff member come in my office like, "There's no one in reception!" I have no idea. I don't manage anyone here. I asked her to text Manager directly.