Q: I have become very disillusioned with my manager. "Brian" and I worked well together as peers for several years, collaborating on a variety of successful projects, until a new CEO promoted me and demoted him.Recently, that CEO was replaced by a guy who worked with Brian 20 years
ago. Now he has decided to make Brian my boss.
Unfortunately, Brian has turned out to be an ineffective manager who
doesn't want me to have any visibility. Some trusted colleagues have
shown me emails in which he takes credit for my work. Brian praises me
to my face, but apparently does not share these positive comments with
higher-level executives.
Although I like my job, I don't see how I can advance my career while
working for Brian. I have tried to remain professional and accept the
situation, but I'm starting to feel that leaving is my only choice.
What's your advice?
A: At this point, you would be wise to pursue a two-track career strategy.
While exploring external possibilities, you should simultaneously take
steps to enhance your reputation within the company. Given the recent
volatility of your work environment, you never know what future
opportunities might present themselves.
Like it or not, the first step in preserving your internal options is
to maintain a favorable relationship with Brian. In addition to being
your boss, he is also well-regarded by the CEO, so staying on his good
side would be politically astute. Try to remember that both of you may
be rather wary and self-protective after being repeatedly jerked around
by top executives.
If Brian truly is minimizing your accomplishments, then you need to
concentrate on expanding your network of supporters. Look for
opportunities to impress managers and other influential colleagues with
your knowledge, ability, and cooperative attitude. The more people who
think highly of you, the greater the odds that word will spread to top
management.
You might also consider increasing your involvement with industry
groups and professional associations, since those activities can boost
your career both internally and externally. In short, the best way to
handle your resentful feelings is to stop obsessing about Brian and
start taking control of your future.
Q: My co-worker is being very inconsiderate with his cellphone. We all
keep our phones turned on at work, but the rest of us silence them out
of courtesy to others. This co-worker allows his phone to ring, which
is quite disruptive and annoying. What can we do about it?
A: Here's a radical idea. Instead of stewing in silence and becoming
increasingly irritated, have a friendly chat with your colleague and
politely ask if he would mind using the "vibrate" setting. Calmly
explain that even though he may not notice the noise, his ringer is a
distraction to others. If you are courteous and he is considerate, this
problem should be quickly solved with no hard feelings.
