How would you interpret this work situation

[Tuesdaysname]

If someone is moved around frequently - doing the same kind of role but e.g. in a different team and the roles they are moved into are always problem roles such as they are temporarily or permanently vacant at short notice, or there's some kind of failing in that team, how would you interpret this?

These are management level roles and it's not really standard in this type of company or the sector for people in these roles to be moved around.

Is it because this person has been identified as capable and a problem solver? Or has this person been identified as a mug who is capable of getting on with the task in hand and won't complain?

Perhaps this person would like a bit of consistency and security? Why does the business not consider this and what does it say about them that they don't?

Is it because this person has been identified as capable and a problem solver? Or has this person been identified as a mug who is capable of getting on with the task in hand and won't complain?

The two things are not mutually exclusive!

Perhaps this person would like a bit of consistency and security? Why does the business not consider this and what does it say about them that they don't?

Has this person (you) said as much? If not, does the business employ any mind readers? And assuming this person always gets the job done to the employers satisfaction, it says that the business know how to use their assets to best purpose to get the job done.

do they deliver in these roles?

Perhaps this person would like a bit of consistency and security? Why does the business not consider this and what does it say about them that they don't

this “person” is a grown assed adult with a voice?

Yes this person is an adult with a voice who previously did reject one of these moves. But having rejected one once, it's perhaps not advisable to do so a second time.

I'm really trying to understand the thought process behind the desire to move someone around and if it means that person is valued as a person or more of a commodity.

Yes.

That is your answer.

Employees are commodities. They may not like to think of themselves that way. Employers might like to dress the fact up in ribbons. But that is all any employee is, and the minute you are no longer useful, then you are gone. So if the are getting the job done then they will continue to move you to problem solve their issues. Obviously, that is valuable to their business. It isn't about you being valuable as a person, it is about being valuable to the business getting done. If you refuse they might decide that your value to the business continues unimpeded. Or you might suddenly have no value at all.

I would say the person has been identified as capable and a problem solver and flexible also, ie not likely to complain.

Grown assed?

This 👆

first time you’ve heard that expression? 😐

Surely ass isn't conjugated into past tense? It's a noun. Grown is conjugated, ass/ arse remains.

so it was a grammatical point?

“loved up”…

It's likely because you are seen as good at your role, capable and also flexible. It's a good thing. If you don't like it then you should speak up for yourself - talk to your manager about having more consistency. They will consider the business needs first and foremost unless you express a preference.

"a mug who is capable of getting on with the task in hand and won't complain" is such a negative way to see something that is probably actually a compliment to your ability.

A "mug" is not capable of getting on with the task in hand if that is supporting failing teams/ challenging situations.

If they saw you as a "mug" they wouldn't be choosing you for these roles.

how long has this been going on for?

Surely there’s been some kind of performance review that will guide this “person” as to why they are regarded

the one time this “person” turned down a move

what did they say?
how did the company respond?

Two years, and no performance review - which would have been welcomed. Yes, this has been raised.

company overall sounds disorganised, fire fighting and a bit shit

This was my first thought. You could be writing about where I work. Management extremely erratic and staff constantly moved to fire fight and because senior management is volatile and make sharp decisions on their latest whim.

@Tuesdaysname

Two years, and no performance review - which would have been welcomed. Yes, this has been raised.

• Can you organise your own performance review to discuss the reason for these frequent moves? Before that do some research:
• At that meeting, bring evidence of what you have achieved in these roles and the improvements you've made to turn these teams around?
• Are you being paid the correct salary/reward package for the role you are performing? Check similar roles on the open job market and/or talk to a couple of recruitment companies to see your role is correctly benchmarked

If your company are seeing you as a valuable commodity to effect positive change it would be worthwhile for you to do the same and value yourself accordingly. 🌹

ow big is the company?
no formal HR in place?

In my last job I was the person who was moved from team to team like you describe - it was because i was spotted by the top brass as being good at sorting out things that have got in a mess and I'm perceived as being resilient enough to deal with all the shit you inevitably get from the people involved in said mess when you go and sort it out.

Honestly it was exhausting and one of the reasons I left. I'd sort out one thing and never be allowed to sit back and admire the fruits of my labour, sometimes what needed doing was brutal (redundancies etc) and there was always another mess waiting for me round the next corner.

To quote the poster who said "the company sounds disorganised, firefighting and a bit shit" / yes, yes and yes! Describes the company I worked for perfectly.

Yes, it was. What has loved up got to do with it?

OP if you are being moved pillar to post and it isn't working for you, and they aren't offering performance review processes, I would look to move on. It doesn't sound like a wonderful place to work and you deserve more.

loved

would indicate past tense

“loved up” indicates present or can be used for past