Reader questions and feedback on advancing in your career. Also refer to life story, success, motivation, advancement, career, achievements, history, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions
Answers to Readers' Questions on Career:
Using the 5 Powers
The following 1 comments and questions have been sent in. They are listed according to date.
List of first 10 items
Seeking to get promoted over bad boss
Question
December 6, 2007
Hello,
I have a head boss that is talking retirement in a few years. The second guy in charge was once head boss but stepped down, he is an overweight and stressed out guy. I am the third shift supervisor and I have hopes of being the head boss of the department.
The second in charge overweight guy always criticizes my work and he likes to bully and use favortism with staff. I brought up favortism to both my bosses in a meeting and they told me they do use favortism on staff that do good work. My overweight, stressed out boss uses favortism on employees that don't do good work, for instance he allows his "favorites" call in sick on his voice mail but the rules are people must call the operator when they call in sick.
Should I pursue talking to him about this or leave it alone? Should I go to Human Recources and tell them I am interested in the head job? I have already expressed to my head boss that I am interested in his job. I think the overweight stressed out boss does not personally like me and I feel he may stand in my way to advancement. Any suggestions would greatly be apprieciated. Thank you,
- USA
14918
Answer
I think you probably said enough about the second guy. First of all, you don't want to sound like a downer or someone negative to your bosses. They might think of you as someone who complains or whines. If they ever bring up the second boss in a conversation, say something positive about him. In this way, they will look at you as a team player.
Don't worry about the favoritism that the second boss uses. I am sure the other bosses are aware of it. Having you bring it up just makes you look bad in their eyes. Even though it bothers you, your best bet is to leave it alone.
Another thing to consider is that the second boss may become the head boss, so you don't want to alienate him. That is why it is never good to criticize any of the bosses to your fellow workers. Word gets around, and you can make enemies.
Note that they reason the second boss criticizes your work is because he sees you as a threat. He also wants to build himself up by tearing you down. I've found that trying to befriend such a person or dealing with him in a cordial friendly manner will actually soften his view of you. It is worth finding out about his hobby or interest and then asking him about it sometime. Being slightly friendly can result in him not trying to stop your advancement.
You've got a couple of years until the head boss retires. It is premature to show you hand and go to HR about the job. Instead, work on building up a reputation with your bosses, as well as the second boss, that you are a hard worker and a team player. Then the bosses can recommend you for the job.
Best wishes on advancing in your career.
Summary
Hopefully, this reader feedback has helped provide information about Career issues.
Always do your best
Resources
The following are some resources on this topic.
Websites
Books
Top-rated
books on Career Advancement
What do you think?
Do you have any questions, comments, or opinions on this subject? If so, send an email with your feedback. We will try to get back to you as soon as possible.
Feel free to establish a link from your website to pages in this site.
Where are you now?
Answers to Readers' Questions