What is OfficePolitics.com? Real People. Real Problems. Expert Advice.
Franke James is Editor/Founder of Office-Politics.com and Inventor of the Office-Politics® Game. Peter R. Garber has worked as an HR professional for over 25 years and is the author of many business books including: Winning the Rat Race at Work and 100 Ways to Get on the Wrong Side of your Boss. Dina Beach Lynch, is an Ombudsman, Author and former attorney. An award-winning mediator, Dina served as the Corporate Ombudsman for the 7th largest bank in the US helping over 48,000 employees to resolve workplace issues. Dr. Rick Brandon is CEO of Brandon Partners. He has consulted and trained tens of thousands at corporations worldwide, including Fortune 500 companies across a variety of industries. Dr. Marty Seldman is one of America's most experienced executive coaches. His 35-year career includes expertise in executive coaching, group dynamics, cross-cultural studies, clinical psychology, and training. Arnie Herz, is a lawyer, mediator, speaker, author and consultant nationally recognized for his practical and inspired approach to conflict resolution and client counseling. Dr. John Burton LL.B. M.B.A. M.Div. Ph.D. is an ethicist, mediator, lawyer and theologian. John is currently located in Prince Rupert, B.C., Canada, working with Canada's aboriginal communities. |
I've been told (even though I have a graduate level education) that my educational field is not what they desire to fill the position...
February 2006 Dear Office-Politics, I am a professional in a small agency who has never been officially appointed in a managerial role but have had several managerial responsibilities placed upon me by my previous Director. That Director had me cover for her when she was on vacation, ill, etc. She did this stating that I was the only one who could manage the strong personalities in the office... A few months ago that Director was asked to leave and Administration asked myself and another co- worker in the office to assume some of the Director's responsibilities while searching for a new Director. Administration decided for several reasons to wait until the first of the year to fill the position. They asked the Director from a Sister facility to oversee functions at our office. I felt prior to that point things were running smoothly and office staff were cordial and respectful. Since the interim Director stepped in she has made it clear that neither I, nor my co-worker, have any authority. She has set precedent for staff to contact her if they do not agree with our decisions. This has caused chaos, insecurity, and opened the door for those who typically cause trouble to do so. Now office moral is the lowest I've ever seen. I've tried to help maintain SANITY and order but feel that it is spinning out of control. I am still expected to do administrative duties but have no authority to make decisions. I feel stuck. Staff are spinning out of control and are turning
on each other. Everyone keeps coming to me with complaints but
feel uncomfortable if I am given any authority. To top it off
I've been told (even though I have a graduate level education) that
my educational field is not what they desire to fill the position. I
feel like I'm in a position for staff to resent me for being in an
authoritative role with no end reward or advancement. Help, what
should I do? No-end-reward Dear No-end-reward, You have some important career decisions to make given the news you've
received that your educational discipline area (not level) forms a glass
ceiling you will not break through no matter how much you deliver and no
matter how vital your calming, competent effect is on the company morale
and results. Maybe your field of study will open more doors elsewhere since
you sound like a 'diamond in the rough'. So give some thought to whether
the potential is there for your fulfillment in dollars, contribution, power,
or whatever else turns you on enough to stay so far. Warm Regards, Rick Brandon, Ph.D. and Marty Seldman, Ph.D., Co-authors
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