What would you do? Advice, please.

[Jenster]

I'm in a situation at work, and I was hoping to get some people's opinions. Basically, I would like to figure out which of two options would be the better one.

So, I'm the junior manager in our department, and there's a senior manager. The senior manager is, honestly, lazy as a sack of bones. But pretty good politically, so he makes sure it looks (to everyone else) like he's doing work. He's not above implying that work someone else did is something he did.

Anyway, I've shown that I'm capable of running the department. He's happy to let me, because then, I'd be doing his job while he gets the credit.

So I feel I've got a two options. One, run the department and ignore him, because then I'll get more experience that way, and it's interesting work. Of course, it sucks that he would still take credit for everything.

Two, NOT do his work, but spend some of my time on a special non-management project. Things'll get disorganized in the department, but hey, it's not my responsibility.

Any thoughts on the options? Would appreciate your opinions. Thanks!

 

[MN John]

One, run the department and ignore him, because then I'll get more experience that way, and it's interesting work.

Personally I would go with this option of the two given because it is the one that will give me most satisfaction. Also, I would feel too loyal to the company to allow something bad to happen to it that I could prevent.

If you can see that he is a liability, someone else will see it too eventually and that same someone will probably see what an asset you are.

 

[mwb]

Also make sure you get the credit you deserve. Let people know that you are doing the work when you have an opportunity.

 

[Jenster]

Thanks, MN John, mwb. I appreciate the feedback. About getting recognition ... yeah, I'm starting to think that's the real issue here -- my real "beef."

On the one hand, a senior manager is *supposed* to know what's going on in the department. But on the other hand, the way he jumps in on every conversation so that he seems involved -- while doing none of the work and barely directing any of it either -- just feels ... wrong.

Maybe what I need to do is to talk with him about it, huh? Somehow, find a way to explain that I need to be recognized, individually, for the work I do. And that I need him to support me as the lead manager on the projects I do, rather than feeling he needs to jump in on them. Might work, you think?

 

[OhhJim]

It's a fairly common situation. Personally, as long as I liked the job ok, I'd take option #1. That's just me, I don't mind not getting credit for stuff. Do you feel like you have more job security, i.e. would he fight to keep you around, if need be, because he knows you are making him look good?

On the other hand, if getting all the credit due you is important, you might should look for another job. But you might run into a worse situation.

I figure that it's part of my job to make my boss look good, but like I say, it's just me. I would rather be known as a good ballplayer, dancer, cook, writer, than get credit at work.

 

[Bridgit]

Well, as christians, whatever we do we are supposed to do it as unto Him. So, as an ambassador of Christ, do the best you can do.

We are not called to please men, but to please Him. You should not be concerned if you are rewarded or recognized for your work or not, you should be more concerned to do all according to His will. He will reward you!

 

[FlatpickingJD]

. . . If you can see that he is a liability, someone else will see it too eventually and that same someone will probably see what an asset you are.

This really does happen and I'd suspect it already has in your department.

Letting things get disorganized in the dept could come back and hurt everyone in the dept, not just the boss. By doing your job, you're actually helping everyone else in the dept, not just making the boss look good.

 

[Jenster]

I appreciate your opinions, everyone. IT's a tough issue for me, making (or letting) my boss look good. If he were a diligent, proactive manager, I would have absolutely no problem with that. I love good leaders, as do we all.

But he surfs the Internet most of the day, and works only when prodded. Doesn't plan. Barely directs. Doesn't follow through. Then he butts into conversations to give the appearance of being in charge. Drives me nuts.

It sort of makes me inclined to bypass him altogether, since he's not terribly essential.

I hear what you're saying, Bridgit. We are asked to work as for the Lord, and for His glory. That's what's held my tongue for the past nine months! Thanks for the reminder.

 

[Deborah6763]

They are right -- do it all as unto the Lord. Try going through your day focused on God being your boss, and see what happens.

Also, try reading about Joseph again, and see if that gives you any insights.

a really great (out of print but probably availabe on line)
book is one called
The Christian Employee by Robert Mattox.

blessings! Look to God for approval rather than man.