Irritating scenario

[tuxcat]

To summarise:

Late last year, my boss (with whom I’d worked for four years, and thought I had a good relationship) was effectively fired for conduct unbefitting his post.  I was in no way involved in this; it came as a horrible shock to a lot of people, and left a very sour taste behind.

A successor will be recruited in due course, but the nature of business here is such that it may take months.

Before ex-bossie’s departure, moves were afoot to move me from my current office base “elsewhere” (against ex-bossie’s wishes).  Effectively I’m “squatting” in someone else’s building, and they want me out.  It doesn’t help that this someone, a relatively new manager (let’s call him Alan), has very little regard for my area of work which impacts somewhat on his, but is part of the rationale of what we, as an organisation, do.  (Personally I think he needs a lesson in manners and a good slapping, but that’s just me!)  He’s managing to shed all of the staff who have been there for some time (and hence have expertise), and bring in new ones.  I am reliant on Alan’s staff to help me through a major project coming up, but a crop of total newbies just won’t have the knowledge.  I know he views my project as a pain in the nether regions, as it’s more philanthropic in nature (in keeping with the organisation), whereas he just wants to make $$$.

There are still mutterings about my move, but no clear idea of where or when .  A suggestion was put forward from on high, which was totally unworkable, and now appears to have been forgotten about.  And my work seems to have ground to a halt …. Someone else (Steve) is covering ex’s workload, but getting answers out of them on things I need to move forward NOW is like pulling teeth.  I find it particularly frustrating as I’m now the organisation’s expert on one particular project – I know what needs to be done, when, but cannot do certain things without the say-so of someone on high.  And it’s that say-so which isn’t forthcoming from Steve, despite pleading and protestation on my part.  We only got through a similar project at the end of last year by the seat of our pants; whilst I can do miracles, I’d rather not be forced into a position where I need to.

So, my thoughts/feelings are:

I was bought in as PA to satisfy ex-bossie – now he’s gone, Steve has no idea what to do with me, or what I can do.  I’ve tried to be proactive with regard to major projects, and get brushed to one side.

I’m a pain in the backside to Alan as I’m taking up space in his building.  I will also be using his facility for a project which doesn’t make megabucks.  Despite the fact that this project is part of the rationale of the organisation that employs us both, the fact that it doesn’t make megabucks automatically renders it less valuable in his eyes.   His attitude towards me is clear evidence of the regard in which he doesn’t hold me!

There’s talk of moving me, but no idea of where.  Unsettling, to say the least.

Am I being a hysterical, reactive, whining ninny, or is it time for me to go find something that will use my brain a bit more creatively?

[raindance]

If I remember rightly, Tuxcat, you have been having some difficulties for some time at this company.  

It sounds to me as though your company isn't very well organized or focussed.  A manager's personal preferences concerning projects, whether philanthropic or commercial, simply don't matter.  What matters is furthering and achieving the company's objectives - and that may include a nod or two in the direction of community responsiblities.  

I would try to stand back from this situation and ask myself whether this company was where I really wanted to spend the next X number of years.  What are you gut instincts?  Have you been able to trust them in the past?  What would you like to do, and can you really go and do that even if it means a bit of extra training?  

Perhaps, you are being presented here with a really good opportunity to do some thinking about your future.  I would take that opportunity very seriously.

Best wishes,

Raindance

[tuxcat]

Indeed, you do remember rightly!  And your comment about lack of focus is quite accurate.  

I don't actually work for a "company" per se, but for a religious institution with a conference facility attached (the bit that Alan is now in charge of).  A lot of the senior staff have never been out in the big bad world of the private sector, and don't quite understand How Things Work Outside.  One ex-member of staff (who has been out in the world) described them as being a bunch of amateurs trying to run a company.

As for Alan's attitude himself - well, as far as he's concerned he runs a commercial operation, and he seems to have forgotten about the religious/philanthropic connection!.  Our head officer is quite spineless, and doesn't seem to want to act on the complaints that he's had about Alan and his cohorts.  That's one thing ex-bossie would have done - stamped on Alan's delusions of grandeur very quickly indeed.

I do think it's time for a change, although the job has done great things for me over the time I've been there.  But at the moment I feel like I'm just treading water, and that's not good for me.  When bossie does deign to delegate something to me, I really cannot be motivated to do it, I'm in such a rut of not doing.  I've already spoken to some staffing agencies, so please cross your fingers for me.

[tiffanyctd]

I feel for you, Tuxcat, having dealt with the beauracracy involved with some religious organizations. What I've learned is that most don't change, especially without support from the higher ups. Good luck and keep us posted!
Tif