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Boss just isn't up to the job... what would you do?

7 replies

Chocchops72 · 19/03/2023 09:22

So I work in a small not-for-profit organisation. 25 employees. We are mostly Brits, not in the UK.

Our longstanding boss recently retired. It was very difficult to find a replacement due to the niche nature of our organisation, and the managing board eventually settled on a replacement who has very little experience of our type of organisation, very little experience of the service that we deliver and zero management experience. What he does have is an elite British public school education, a great accent and a confident manner 🙄.

He's been in place for 6 months now and the cracks are really starting to show. He's probably heading for a burn-out. The staff that work on the ground have little respect for him as it's obvious that he doesn't understand their jobs or the pressures they experience: our previous boss worked for years at a lower level before moving up to run the organisation, so he really got it from their pov. He keeps blundering into stupid situations, because he lacks understanding and skills, and constantly shows how out of his depth he is.

My relationship to him is administrative, communications, general organising. I have worked hard to support him, because I'm there in a supporting role and it's my nature I guess. I'm getting paid overtime for some, but not all, of the extra time that is required to do this. But not everyone is wiling to do this, which I can also understand.

WWYD? Help him swim (which grates, when he's being paid the big bucks to run our organisation) or let him sink (which will have horrible consequences for the organisation, and likely be a very painful process - and we might not find anyone better anyway)?

OP posts:
swanling · 19/03/2023 10:16

It's not down to you to prop up your boss. In the long run that doesn't actually help anyone.

KleineDracheKokosnuss · 19/03/2023 10:22

Do your job as you normally would. Don’t do unpaid overtime, but if you would usually help with something - do so.

it’s likely that he already knows he’s out of his depth but he is probably actually trying and doesn’t want to leave the organisation without anyone in post. He will choose to leave or will burn out in time. Or he will get the hang of it.

DojaPhat · 19/03/2023 16:28

Has he indicated that he needs support? Is still learning the ropes and showed you any gratitude for your support? He may very well need time to get the swing of it but is he showing that he wants to learn?

Cluelessat33 · 21/03/2023 10:10

We've had a similar situation in our organisation for a number of years. And believe me if they are as inept as you suggest then you can't wallpaper over the cracks. We have huge issues due to a similar situation. Massive issues over HR mismanagement. Poor staff moral, staff burnout and stress. Ultimately you cannot backfill. Do your job, don't burn yourself out. If it falls apart it falls apart. That isn't within your control and ultimately nobody will thank you for going over and above.

3luckystars · 02/05/2023 18:46

Just do your job and not his. He might move on soon. Good luck.

Hatemylife2023 · 02/05/2023 22:19

Don’t worry about it as Mum said in another year my soon to be ex work place will have another Manager. We played pass the parcel for a couple of months until they got a Manager in who hadn’t picked you.. lesson learnt never go where there is a vacancy for Manager as well loud and clear…

Really confused as I handed in my notice and my Manager who has given me an informal pip started to be upset. Very unsure what sick game is being played.

tailinthejam · 02/05/2023 22:25

Look after number one. Watch your own back, do your own job thoroughly and well, and keep records of anything you have had to sort out after the boss has fouled up. It is up to them whether they sink or swim, and if they are sinking, you don't want to get pulled under as well. If you get my drift.

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