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Original poster

Duff Manager - what can I do

43 replies

CHOCOLATEPEANUT · 11/07/2007 21:20

I work for local goverment and by some strange fluck I have ended up by being managed by somebody who has never done the wok I do. As a result I have to tell her everything and help her out.

How can this person develop me?

I have complained to her line manager and they agree with me but the head of dept is too afraid to rcck the boat as this 'manager' has previously made a formal complaint against him (which was investigated but unfounded)

What would you do? I really object to 'training' this person which is effectivley what I am doing

OP posts:
LeafTurner · 11/07/2007 21:30

I manage people but I can't do their jobs !

You don't need to have done a job to manage a service - you really don't. He/she may have management skills that you're not seeing.

If you're that unhappy with it maybe you should seek a transfer - personally I don't think complaining about your boss to his/her boss is very ethical.

Original poster
CHOCOLATEPEANUT · 11/07/2007 21:42

She has no skills.Believe me and this is shared view not a personal thing. One of her
jobs is to review my work and for this she needs experience of the work.Today she demonstrated that and I had to explain to her what she was actually looking at

OP posts:
LeafTurner · 11/07/2007 21:46

Then you have a problem, and your career and reputation won't be helped in the slightest by having a "personality clash" on your records. My advice is to get away from her as quick as you can, and that might mean you moving if her boss is unwilling to deal with her apparent inefficiencies.

Twinklemegan · 11/07/2007 21:48

That's local government down to a tee unfortunately. They never ever get rid of the incompetents, in fact she'll probably get promoted before too long. You poor thing. You didn't apply for that job as well did you? - that really would rub salt in the wound.

Twinklemegan · 11/07/2007 21:50

LT - surely you have made some effort to learn about the jobs of the people you manage? And I'd presume you must have a specialism in at least one of the jobs you manage? Otherwise, how can you hope to truly understand the challenges your staff face.

flowerybeanbag · 11/07/2007 21:51

Agree with LeafTurner I'm afraid. Why does your boss need to do the work you do?

Developing someone isn't necessarily about your manager teaching you to do their job better, it's about working out together what skills you need and finding the best way to develop them. This is your responsibility as well as your manager's. If you have ideas about what development you need, talk to your manager about how you think it can be achieved, whether it's a training course, being mentored by someone, shadowing someone else on their job, lots of different ways.

There is nothing wrong in sharing your own knowledge with your manager either, often members of a team have various different skills and areas of expertise that the manager doesn't have or need to have.

This doesn't mean your manager isn't duff, by the way, you may be right there, but not having the same skills you have doesn't mean that in itself.

If you have problems with your manager, I would talk to her about how you think she can manage you better, rather than going above her head if you can avoid it, as that will not improve your relationship! If you are able to explain to her what you need from a manager she may be able to accommodate it, and you will lose nothing by giving her the chance first.

flowerybeanbag · 11/07/2007 21:53

Just saw your second post, and if she has no understanding of what you do and therefore cannot appraise your work, that is a problem!

Probably best to see if you can move away from her if possible in this case, unless there is a way of addressing her lack of understanding.

Twinklemegan · 11/07/2007 21:53

Managers who don't understand the work their staff do cause big problems - believe me.

Twinklemegan · 11/07/2007 21:53

x-posted

Original poster
CHOCOLATEPEANUT · 11/07/2007 21:55

But how can I move? Request a transfer/re deployment? on what grounds?

Also I am 5 moths pregnant so timing is not great!!

I was a manager for 13 years before starting current job which was a chance to get out of rat race and work more flexible working patterns so I could have a family.I do hold a senior position and am respected by collegues. I dont think anyone would see this as just a personality clash. I think they accept what I say but wont do anything. I never cease to be amazed by the decisions made within Local Goverment!!

OP posts:
LeafTurner · 11/07/2007 21:58

No TwinkleMegan I haven't. I manage a huge team of specialists - I trust them to do their stuff and I judge them on the results. I am responsible for the strategic direction and ensuring that the corporate objectives are met !

My speciality is management and strategy - plain and simple. If I was to learn what they do I would have to train as a plumber, electrician, builder, security guard etc etc

They have their own areas of expertise - I have mine.

LeafTurner · 11/07/2007 21:59

What are you planning to do re mat leave ? I would sit it out as you will go on mat leave in what 3 months ?

In the 6 or 12 months you are away a lot may change - he/she may move on etc

If not - then when you are planning your return ask to return to another post !

Surely she will flounder when you are off ?

flowerybeanbag · 11/07/2007 21:59

Do you need to give grounds for requesting a transfer? Or can you just ask? If the powers that be understand your problem and agree but can't/won't address it, maybe they might be sympathetic to a request.

Not sure what other options there are if it won't be addressed really, other than applying for jobs elsewhere, obviously not ideal being pregnant. Or sticking it out until mat leave then working out what to do if still a problem if/when you return.

rebelmum1 · 11/07/2007 22:01

You should turn it to your advantage and work with her, there's nothing else you can do, it's just the way the cookie crumbles. Moaning will just look bad on you.

Original poster
CHOCOLATEPEANUT · 11/07/2007 22:04

Ok let me paint a picture. Dept once ruled by big bad boss. Rewarded all those who were loyal which involved following his bully style of managing, grassing up people, taped conversations (in secret) to discuss and plan how to get rid off. Big bad boss had two of these soldiers.One his sec the other another sec (my new manager) the latter sec was rewarded by being elevated rather quickly (4 months) from a sec - officer-jnr manager.

The masses revolted against Big bad boss.He was investigated for bullying and pushed out.His sec went through same investigations and was sacked. Other sec started to be investigated then v suddenly went off sick for 18 months (stress) came back and is back in old job where I have been working last year with another manager picking uo the mess she left.Other manager is to joint manager me is great.Knows her stuff

am v pissed off.Oh and I will be a bitch

shes chavtastic

OP posts:
LeafTurner · 11/07/2007 22:06

So it IS personal then.

Sorry - no more advice to give.

Original poster
CHOCOLATEPEANUT · 11/07/2007 22:17

yes i suppose it is

when i started work with team in her absence they were not performing and I quickly identified that they had not been trained effectivley and lacked confidence through previously being bullied. We have managed to service rather than the dead leg.

It really gets me that she can waltz back in and I now have to show her what to do.

Yes I do not think in some jobs you need to have knowledge of your ataffs role but in this job you do as a lot of it is about direction and reviewing. It would be like an accountant asking a doctor to 'check these figures'.

Trying to be professional but really hacked off

OP posts:
LeafTurner · 11/07/2007 22:21

Rise above it - you have better things to do ! Concentrate on bump !

The world is full of crap people at work !

FluffyMummy123 · 11/07/2007 22:22

Message withdrawn

LeafTurner · 11/07/2007 22:22

Beer ?? Where did you get that from ???

FluffyMummy123 · 11/07/2007 22:23

Message withdrawn

LeafTurner · 11/07/2007 22:23
FluffyMummy123 · 11/07/2007 22:23

Message withdrawn

FluffyMummy123 · 11/07/2007 22:23

Message withdrawn

LeafTurner · 11/07/2007 22:25

Sorry to hijack ChocPNut

Basically they said they would send a letter, and it would be best to call the police some time when the kids were alone.

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