March 27, 2008Ask Meryl ~ Boss is absent
Meryl,
My boss never calls or emails to see how things are going. We are in separate buildings, but it is like I don’t exist. I am left out of several important meetings, but it just doesn’t matter. I have been trying my best to communicate with her, but I feel like it does not help. I was suppose to go to a Law seminar last year, but she made excuses that it was too far away. Most of the department has already gone to the seminar. This year it is the same excuse. I took on a lot more work this year and my raise didn’t change at all from the prior year. I felt like I should of been given something for taking on the new responsibilities. Please help, I have been at my company for 14 yrs. I don’t want to leave, but I don’t see plans for me ever getting promoted! What should I do?
Meryl says,
Say,
- I was left out of meeting X, and the effect is… (details of how it cost in terms of efficiency.) Since this has happened before, I’d like for us to work together to keep me in the loop. I suggest a two minute daily check-in until I get on your radar and once a week after I am.
Then, go in with quick updates on what you’re up to and ask:
You also could ask her,
Request a meeting about your career path. Say,
Consider other jobs to create options. If you have alternatives, it will give you more courage to ask for what you want. I understand not wanting to leave after fourteen years, but it never hurts to see what options you have.
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I think your boss has been communicating with you, and along with Meryl’s excellent ideas, you really need to polish up your resume. She quite clearly doesn’t regard you as important, and you shouldn’t be surprised to hear confirmation of that.
That said, if you like the company and don’t want to leave it, you might consider a lateral transfer to a more congenial situation. Or volunteer on a project involving other departments to get on someone else’s radar screen. Also remember, bosses come and go, and this one might go fairly soon if she is doing such a bad job of keeping track of those who report to her.
Another good reason to polish up your resume is that it will give you a real boost when you see what you have accomplished. After enduring the mushroom treatment for so long, it sounds like you could really use the boost in your self confidence.
Comment by Sharon Campbell — March 27, 2008 @ 4:02 pm