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Should I stand my ground?

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by incognit0

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I was in line for a promotion to support co-ordinator but instead the position was given to a former network analyst. It was presented as two jobs merging, but they recently hired a new network analyst. For the last six months I've been teaching my boss troubleshooting basics. This started out with things like how to use a ZIF socket and what kind of RAM various systems use. It has only gotten slightly better, as a recent example would be having to explain drive manager software (ex: EZ-drive) and what limitations they overcome.

I've followed appropriate procedure, and have not been listened to by even the CIO. I've heard just about every excuse there is, and it is being treated as if it is not a big deal. I was even told that I'll run into situations like this several times in my career, that it's normal and I should teach her, show more compassion, and be more of a team player. It was also suggested that getting my boss fired would pretty much paint a target on me for the next person that came along. The situation is a joke amongst those with technical abilities, and the entire situation is embaressing to be honest.

Management doesn't know, but Human Resouces has been advising me on how to handle this. I haven't spoken with them recently, but the next step will either be to meet with HR and IT management at the same time, or for HR to represent me by bringing the situation to the attention of a Vice President.

Before all of this happened, I considered this to be the best place in the area to work in my field. I don't wish to relocate away from my family, but there aren't a lot of good jobs in my field, in my area. Circumstances are not favorable for me to get out from under this boss any time soon unless I stand my ground.

Is all of this worth it? I'd also appreciate some input from the older IT pros. Let me know how long you've been in the field and if I should really expect this.

8 replies

by james r linn

had a similar situation. I got someone fired who was incompetant, who was hired at 50% more salary to me, and was given some supervisory status over me(but not a boss).

It was the beginning of the end of that job.

Alot depends on how much technical ability the co-ordinator is supposed to have. If they are purely supervisory, then they shouldn't have to be as technical as you in your area, but they should know the basics of troubleshooting technique from their own field at least as well asyou.

The fact is that just by the fact of becoming managers and dealing with budgets and schedules and people issues, we lose our technical edge anyway. Is there anything this boss can teach you, about organization, dealing with difficult customers etc.? If so, then ask to learn that (it may be why they got the job)from them, and consider it a fair exchange.

If you continue to fight it, people may not remember why, but they will remember the result - which will be a disfunctional department, no matter what the outcome.

James

by hmsardenberg

Nobody wins in this type of fight. Just try and get the most tha you can out of this job and then move on. If you fight your supervisor you will not be able to win and you'll have a black mark on your record, especially if you go over his/her head. Management does a lot of things that doesn't make sense, but maybe someday you will find a company that has good management and then you will be able to work for a common goal and be happy w/ each other. I've worked for companies (usually small) that there was very little conflict because everyone was on the same page and there were no hidden agendas or vendettas. That's the best environment to work in because you can just concetrate on the job.

by admin

Doing IT is based on skill, working in a company is political and they all are in my opinion. The trick is finding one that you can live with.

I would sit down and write out everything you like and dislike about your job and then decide what are the things you have to have without question (like maybe not moving), which are things you want, but not necessary, and what really isn't that important. Then I would take a hard look at how your present situation matches this and figure out what youcan compromise and what you have to have and brainstorm on how to get there. Give yourself a timeframe too. This puts you in charge instead of the enviroment and makes the day to day difficulties much less of a bother since you are now directed towards a goal.

I would say that this problem in some form is with all of us everyday at work, and it's how we approach it that underlies our feelings of satisfaction about our workplaces.

by prefbid ii

Those that don't have the skill for the job they are in will usually self-destruct or get promoted into another role in a short period of time. It's okay to watch them blow themselves up, but don't be caught with your fingerprints on the trigger.
You may be doing the company a favor by pointing out a bad manager, but the company will not reward you for it. If you are the person who is deemed to have caused the "firing", plan on someone else replacing the manager. If by some strange happening they do give it to you, plan on that being your last promotion ever.

Patience is the key here. Try to be as loyal as possible to the new boss (I assume you currently work for her). Do everything possible to make her successful. If she can't handle it, you will be in a much better position to replace her. In most companies, team players get the promotions over technical geniuses.

by inxale

be flexible .. and then get out asap..
buy your time.. keep a diary of daily events
watch your next pay rise.. who determines this..

Patience is like a tree ( the bark is bitter but the fruit is sweet..)

by in-cog-neet-o2

I complained about my supervisor being on drugs. Guess who was shown the door? Not the supervisor. And I was threatened.

This was after a long line of incompetent actions by someone who came to work hours late looking like an unmade bed.

Bottom line, the company knew, HR knew, and they all covered up for her.

If I had to to do again, I would follow one of the poster's advice here: stay low-key, write everything down, keep logs at home, and get out ASAP. In other words, "Do the job and take the money."

Forget about trying to change it. THEY KNOW ALREADY! And haven't done anything. You can be the sacrificial lamb, however, to get the manager the boot, but you may be next.

Good luck!

by generalist

Is there a chance that the person has some extra special qualities/abilities outside the technical realm that would benefit the organization in the long run? If so, then a bit of patience might be in order, especially if the person is willing to teach you what they know in exchange for you teaching them what you know.

At the same time, if it looks like a 'political' appointment based on non-work oriented social criteria, you might want to consider bailing out, switching jobs, or getting a 'political' hook into the person.

Remember that the person could be a helping hand to a higher position. At the same time, they could also be a career killer.

by mikes

Get the book and give yourself a hard look. I wouldn't dwell on the past all that much, what good is it?

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