Difficult Boss HR

[CliftonGreenYork]

I was offered a new job last week and put in my resignation to my boss, his response was "That's fine". The next day the Senior Director for my department took me aside and begged me to stay. Said I would be a massive loss to the company and they would like to offer me a promotion instead. I have a meeting with them tomorrow to discuss this and need advice. The truth is I love my job but hate my boss. He is a total nightmare, is constantly angry and has massive mood swings. I know other people have reported him but nothing has happened. Not sure if I should raise this as I would still be working for him and he is the only reason I am going.

I don't know really - I suppose if he's the reason you're leaving, and you'd still have to put up with him, then you don't want to stay, do you?

Or might the promotion and pay rise be worth enough to you?

Does the other job you've been offered involve a promotion and a pay rise?

I'd be honest with them. Any promotion where he is still your boss will lead you to resign in 6/12 months anyway, and your feelings in between won't change.

They will know what he's like, and they have an opportunity to restructure to keep you if they want to.

Might you be offered your boss’s job? Or a job which reports directly in to the senior director?

if continuing to report in to your current line manager is a deal breaker, say that and see what’s offered?

I’d definitely be honest. Maybe they’ve had this issue before.

What are the consequences of telling them the truth? It might be the incentive they need to move or remove him.

I'd be honest with them. Any promotion where he is still your boss will lead you to resign in 6/12 months anyway, and your feelings in between won't change.

This^
If you are still dealing with him you will continue feeling the way you do now. I agree with PP you will still end up leaving over the next few months.

I'd tell them why you're resigning. If the promotion means you wouldn't be dealing with him, I might stay, but if (as I would assume is likely,) he will still be around in your working life, them go.

Be honest with them you have nothing to lose!

You’ve got nothing to lose by being honest. Try and be factual and calm when you express your reasons and be able to give examples. Let them know if there are any circumstances under which you would stay - change of reporting line, x package, y job title etc

I'd be polite, but honest - something along the lines of 'thank you for the very flattering offer, but as it would continue to report to X, I will have to decline as unfortunately that reporting structure won't work for me'.
It won't get any better, and your boss could actually be worse if you are promoted - and if the company aren't going to deal with them, that won't change either.

at least see what is on offer @CliftonGreenYork

I’d ask for the meeting to be with your senior director, with no boss invited, then explain the real reason why you are leaving.

I'd let them put their cards on the table first.

You don't need to tell them why you are going. Just hear out their offer and add your demands (ie reporting to someone else/more senior).
Can you envisage what the promotion is? Would you be with another team?

If no getting away from current boss then as pp said, say No thank you and move on in good terms.

Thanks for all the great advice. I will wait and see what the offer is before saying anything. New job is a pay cut as wanted to get away. If I don't decide to stay, I will tell them the real reason I am going.

Of course you won’t be telling them that you’ve taken a pay cut. You need your terms plus more money to stay.