How would you deal with boss and manager who want an easy life?

[Liht]

I work in a small organisation, about 12 of us altogether. I have a manager and a manager above him. Both men are very laid back and don't sweat the small stuff. I feel that their decision-making is whatever makes their next half hour easiest.

I am very conscientious and care about doing things properly and not letting people down. I also have more experience and industry knowledge in the role I've been employed. We keep walking in to problems that I feel were entirely predictable and avoidable. I feel frustrated that my managers' lack of care leads to urgent problems landing on my desk. What they shrug their shoulders at, I find really stressful.

I need a new way of not taking this all so personally - any tips?

No, she told management (I think)

secondly, you “pointed out” to them them their jobs are unstable No, of course not. I understand it's de rigueur to put the boot in on MN, but it's cheating to put words in my mouth. I pointed out to the boss that if we diversified our income everyone's jobs would be safer.

I'd suggest you ask your bosses which one they'd like you to stop as it's not sustainable to do both or ask for a massive pay rise to recognise the extra responsibility. I don't particularly want or need a greater salary, I just want to be respected. I've told my manager that come September he needs to let me know what to drop.

@nuttyroche2 Dunno, mate, just telling you how I interpreted the sentence.

And if she likes her colleagues, it’s reasonable to be worried about them.

the op told her colleagues if they lost their jobs they’d be looking at care work or tescos Give over, no I didn't.

If I were you OP I’d go somewhere where your talent and commitment would be appreciated. They’re not appreciated where you are. I could say a lot more but it’s become the sort of thread where you’re just getting picked at now. There are loads of jobs and working environments where individuals with ideas and commitment are welcome.

Thank you . This is what DP says and I think I am working towards accepting you're both right. I need a short term coping plan and a long term escape plan!

I think you’re being a bit over responsible. When you work with others they will often work differently or make different decisions to you. You need to let that slide and focus on what’s within your zone of control. It can be quite irritating when a colleague over works or over stretches themselves then acts the martyr and becomes resentful of others who are not doing the same.

Make sure you are doing a good job and working in a way which gives you pride and self satisfaction, but don’t overwork, at the same time drop your expectations and resentment of colleagues who work differently to you. Accept that if you want your manager to do things differently you will need to use your powers of influence and persuasion, building this is a skill. But ultimately recognise the level of decision making that you have.

They might be doing something right if their focus is “steady as she goes” but OP is looking for something more dynamic. It’s two divergent approaches and may mean OP is best looking for a different firm.

Not sure why you are being snippy though.

@InWithPeaceOutWithStress wise words! Thank you.

she clearly thinks they are inept No, she doesn't. She recognises that she enjoys the benefits of education and financial security that her colleagues don't. I like them all, they're down to earth, very funny and very caring.

Presumably because it’s worked. For many years No, you're referring to the change where I now take on some of the work that colleagues are employed to do because they keep making mistakes with it. (This year it went from being paper-based to computer-based and they are not comfortable with using Word).

ok so why were you telling managers (and why are you worried) about fact their equivalent type job is for them to work for tescos?

Are you actually reading what you're replying to? I pointed out to my managers that all of our jobs would be safer if we didn't put all of our eggs in to one basket of income! As organisations grow and take on more staff, this is surely just common sense?

What do you mean by "a bad decision has been made"?

A bad decision in your opinion? Go by the evidence. You may be wrong, or they may be wrong. Evidence is whether money is made. Pure and simple.
Bad decision in that customers were lost / revenue is lost? If you had pointed out that this would be a likely consequence in advance, then the temptation is to say "I told you so". Nobody likes a smart arse. Better option would be to hold a review meeting where alternative courses of action can be discussed and options for the future considered. You won't have to say anything. Everyone will know, and you might even be listened to next time. Don't bet on that though.

Ultimately, it takes a lot of effort and some arrogance to get a successful business going. Don't underestimate this. It is a blessing and a curse, and often holds businesses back from moving to the next level despite being the attribute that got them to the current level.

Not everyone is suited to working in a small business for that reason.

Why would you say this about your colleagues and who did you say it to?

You are new, it's just his personality, and the ethos of the company. You can't change it. It ticks along, he just wants an easy life. How do you feel about that? Is this the long term job for you?

When you say stressful situation, can you give an example. Would they change anything, or just not interested?