To feel manager is breathing down my neck?

[kissnm]

I started a job at a senior level 6 months ago. The team/area has had major issues spanning from before I started, leading to a lot of people leaving (and me joining the team).

My manager left me to my own devices since then. Literally offered zero support through extreme challenging times. Equally giving good feedback as I managed to get team to good place and initial successes, direct praise from CEO. I had to build a network of contacts outside of my area to get the support.

Manager now wants to get more involved in my area. Aibu to not understand why? He didn’t offer any support when it was needed, and it feels like he’s stepping on my toes now things are going well. He has started by asking me to invite him to my meetings with my team & stakeholders. His presence doesn’t offer any benefit, as he has no relationship with my team or stakeholders and no technical knowledge of the area. So will literally just be listening in. And the actual things I’d like him to help with eg removing blockers, has been ignored.

Probably his own manager has picked him up for being too disengaged.

Okay, but how do I navigate this?

I much prefer my job without his presence, so I either need to find a way to divert his attention or just look for roles.

Or he needs more in-depth knowledge/understanding of OPs remit to allow him to apply for a specific post.

Funny you say that because he’s applying for his own job right now

Well, help him on his way!! 😁

God no I can’t stand him! X

Ah! My error. I thought he was applying for a different job. 😟

He has been and he’s been unsuccessful so far !

But his own job has been advertised now

Why has his own job been advertised?

In general I would ask what his concerns are and what he's hoping to achieve by joining the meetings. I would tell him that his time is very valuable and I really wouldn't want to waste it with a lot of meetings, ask him if one specific meeting would be more helpful or a weekly update.

If he says he's got lots of time and is keen to be involved, I would divert him onto a task to focus on, one that's non critical but useful, "oh that's great Manager, by far the most useful thing you could do for the team's work would be to use your knowledge and contacts to get us information about X".

I imagine he's trying to nab some of the credit for your good work to support his application. Maybe you should apply for his job!

He is definitely hoping to get credit by association with you and knows that you are on the way up but he is on the way out. Keep an eye on him, I bet he wouldn't hesitate to throw you under the bus at any opportunity.