Advice on how to handle this situation.

[Isitbedtimeyet01]

My department was recently 're structured and as a result I was promoted. However I have not had a job description and there are issues with the people I work with which are negatively impacting my ability to do my job.

In theory I am second in command however those who should be reporting to me are reporting directly to my line manager and I am not being told anything regarding their workload or being kept updated about staff changes/issues or reviews.

I'm being given work that involves delegating downwards however whenever I try to give it to the "middle managers" I'm told no one has any time to do it which I report back to my manager every time and then will either get told to do it myself or boss will delegate it and they always have time to do it when asked by my boss even though it's sometimes 30 mins after I have asked. A big issue is the 2 "middle managers" are friends with the boss so my boss is very protective of them.

I am struggling to cope with the sheer workload and without a job description I do not know what my role actually is.

I need to address this as I absolutely love my job and like the people I work with but I can not continue this way.

You need to set an agenda with your line manager to clarify

• reporting lines and authority levels : If your manager is directing you to delegate downwards when the people you're delegating to aren't your direct reports, you'll continue to get a brick wall. They will not respond to your requests because they don't have to. My direct reports wouldn't respond to a tasking request from me by saying they don't have time. They might ask me for clarification on priorities, but that's justified if they've got a pile of work and want to know what's urgent.

• role description : what has changed since your previous JD, this should have been made clear to you when you changed to the new role, especially as you were promoted. How can they expect you to meet expectation if you don't know what your "restructured"/ redefined role includes.

1. Work on your management style. By going back to your boss when the others say they dont have time you undermine your own authority. I would suggest reading nice girls dont get the corner office.
2. Job description. Book a meeting with your boss with job description as the agenda. Draft what you think your role is and take that with you.
3. In the meantime update your cv and linkedin. Start being more active on linkedin. Are there any other similar job descriptions on linked in that you draw inspiration from?