Civil Service - WWYD?

[workdilemmaWWYD]

I joined a new team less than six months ago in a management role. It's been quite stressful /hard work - new Director and DG. Lots of change and the team feel they are under resourced/ unsettled/that their work is not understood by the new management/that they are not appreciated. There is a degree of truth in this- we've tried really hard to engage them (senior management) but its difficult. This is work in progress. In parallel I've worked hard to improve morale and motivate the team and feel things are picking up - we are starting to get lots of positive feedback

On Monday the Department had a bit of a crisis and unbeknown to me I was nominated by my DG to lead a team (temporarily) to address the issue. I was told about it yesterday and informed that they want me to start ASAP . I dont know what to do. I am worried about letting my current team down (they have said they won't backfill my post nor offer TP). One of the team is about to go on maternity leave but they have said there won't be any cover, their work will just stop until they get back. So the team will be carrying even more gaps. It all feels a bit of a mess. I think the team are starting to like me but won't if I go and it may be difficult when I return. I feel like I am abandoning them and Im not sure im even being asked / more like told I need to help out - I may be able to say no but would be letting the department down, disappointing the new DG etc. Am also worried that I may not be able to achieve what they want temporarily. Am feeling very stressed and not sleeping. Have no one to speak to in real life and would be ever so grateful for your advice. WWYD?

There's not that much you can do in a situation like this.

Explain clearly to current team what's happened, and who made the decision and hopefully this won't lose you the ground you've gained.
With your new challenge, is their anyone that's had to do similar before that you can speak to? Is there a network you can tap into?
Please don't let work stress you so that you're not sleeping, it's not worth it. The civil service is understaffed and taking time off for stress unfortunately common.
Look after your health first. I hope everything works out OK.

That sounds stressful!

If you trust your immediate line manager, you could discuss it with them, including the further difficulties the gaps are likely to bring to the team.

Is the new thing something you might enjoy, setting aside your concerns about your current team?

Is the work area and current resourcing likely to continue, or is seniors’ plan to reduce/amalgamate it?

I understand your stress but unfortunately this is quite normal as a manager. Positions will get moved around and are expected to support. Your focus is on the business and supporting people to deliver, not loyalty to specific employees. You will often come across refusals to fill maternity leave and other pressures in the team too, I can’t remember the last time I saw a maternity leave cover and I’m civil service. I’ve been where you are and it doesn’t feel nice to begin with but definitely need to grow a thick skin to last it out. You have a valid point it might be difficult to transition back in but how long is it? Few months? Or a year? Some people don’t come back to the original team even if the intention was for that. Do you have any interest or experience in the area they have asked you to manage? I’d mainly base your decision on the last question. If you say no to this for a valid reason then there won’t be any negative feeling by your own managers. If you say no because it’ll upset the team then that will leave them with a view of how much they can rely on you… because there will regularly be things that will upset the team they expect you to ride out. Good luck with it and focus on you as well as the team!

Most places require flexibility, but usually one does have some say in immediate moves, if you decline it can be frowned upon a little but they will probably simply get someone else

True but if DG picks you once and you turn it down, they won’t pick you again. You’ll always be surrounded by people wanting to progress when you work under DG.

Think OP says DG - director general! If so, even more so!

Do it - they’ve asked because you’ve made great headway with your team I imagine. Explain clearly to your team, including your regrets, but that you’ll be back, you see and hear their concerns.

Don't take on undue stress or hyper vigilance. Do what’s ask of you, ace it, come back and nurse your team when you can. They’re all grown ups.

Thank you for your replies - really appreciated. They have said the new role is only for a month or two whilst they recruit someone new permanently. I can see that I need to accept the role and will obviously work hard. The new management team are a little scary by reputation but I dont think I really have much choice will just have to explain how it has come about to my current team and make the best of it. Thank you for your time and responses.