My boss can’t manage. How can I not be brushed aside?

Dear Aunty B,

I am in a mid/upper management position at my place of work, managing what’s currently a one-man division.

In the (almost) two years that I have been in this position I have not had any KPIs or annual reviews. In fact, it’s not clear who I actually report to (the previous person has left and has not been replaced – it’s like I’m the last man standing as in “The Bradbury Effect”).

I’ve taken the issue up with Human Resources but it seems to get brushed aside on the basis that management will get to it “at some point”. In the meantime, I’ve just kept my head down, doing my job and bringing in new business. I’ve set my own KPIs and achievements (benchmarked against my predecessors) so that if ever it gets resolved I have prepared a case for myself. How can I get my position clarified, KPIs defined and an annual review?

Signed,

Frustrated

Dear Frustrated,

Why are you still there? Honestly. Any business is looking for a bloke that keeps his head down, does his job and just brings in new business. Your need for a proper structure and review is essential for you to continue to do a great job. But it goes further than that. You need leadership! You need vision. You need a company that sees you as part of its future. And that is not what you have.

So if I were you, I would leave. Pick one of the Smart50, who are hiring all the time and give them a ring. I know it is not good form to bitch about your employer, but I would point out in the interview that your current place of work does not have basic structures in place and you are a professional that wants to work in a professional organisation.

If you really want to stay at your place of employment then threaten to leave unless the structures are put in place. That usually works, but you must be prepared to walk if it doesn’t.

Good luck,
Your Aunty B

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