All change!

[peana]

Over the past 6 months we’ve had no end of changes to the structure of the department I work within due to a number of failings of various teams coming to light.  It’s been incredibly hectic during this period, and morale has not been particularly good.  To cap it all, bossie decided 2 weeks ago to resign.  The initial plan was to run with another interim structure on top of the one we were already working with.  It was decided not to replace him until February and to see how things worked out in the meantime!  Needless to say, I was not particularly impressed with this ‘plan’.  Not because I felt threatened (they would need me more than ever), but because his managers are already so over-stretched they’ve no spare capacity.  The department would keep running, but I could see deadlines going left, right, and centre, and our service to the business would deteriorate significantly.

Then, yesterday morning, the company announced the whole of our European Operations were being restructured, effective immediately.  A number of senior managers have gone, and their PAs have until the end of the week, or end of the month, to tie up all the loose ends, and then they’re gone too.  I only found out at 1600 yesterday what the plans were for our department.  Bossie is being replaced by his equal from another part of the company, and they are working on the handover together at present.  Although I was very unhappy with the way this restructure was handled, especially as a number of close friends are being made redundant, I’m actually much more comfortable now I know there will be someone experienced in charge of the department.

But, new bossie has never had a PA before, and I have fears for how he’ll adapt.  I’ve got no problem telling him how we can work together and taking charge of the situation, but from a conversation we had yesterday I’m worried about how this is going to work in practice.  He started to express concern that I might become party to confidential information.  I explained that this was usual and that he could trust my discretion – it goes with the territory.  However, I’ve a terrible feeling that rather than performing the roles I’ve become used to, he thinks I’m there to answer the phone and do typing, etc. (nothing wrong with that, but it’s something I moved away from years ago and don’t want to do again).  Any advice on how to handle him??

Sorry about the essay!

[peana]

Just had a meeting with old bossie and I think my fears are justified.  Apparently new bossie asked him 'what does she actually do?'.  Old bossie thinks he does not know how to delegate, and is a little naive about running a department of this size.  I think I'm going to have to brace myself for a very steep learning (or should that be teaching) curve!

[countrigal]

Start that teaching now, with old bossie still in place.  Let new bossie see how he delegates to you, what you handle, provide him a copy of your PD, sit down in a meeting with both of them to discuss how to utilize you, and let him see how it is.  Then as he gets more comfortable in his new role, he may be able to continue that working relationship.  A lot of the problem with delegation is trust -- lack of trust that the person you delegate to will do what is expected, the way it is expected.  Let him see you in action, the work you produce, how you are meeting expectations and deadlines.  And have old bossie stress how helpful you will be turning the transition and as he goes "solo", to have someone so experienced and knowledgable on hand to help with everything.

Definitely sounds like you're going to have your hands full soon.  Good luck!

CountriGal
Peer Moderator

[gee4]

It's a toughie - some bosses you will change or help to adapt, others you won't but as CG says, make the progress now and hopefully new bossie will see he can trust you and that you do a good job.  It is all about trust after all and getting to know someone you have never worked with before.

G

[JessW]

I would also add some sort of warning about absolutely everything that his new job will entail and the fact that he will not be able to do it all, stay sane, maintain a workable work:life balance and remain in good health.  This is from one whose boss died while in full time employment due to work/stress etc.

This will also give you a good basis for setting down exactly how you will make his life so much easier, maintain the efficiency of the department and 'keep your bosses boss of your bosses back'.

Don't forget to use examples too.

Jess

[peana]

Just back from a badly timed, but desperately needed holiday to find out that old bossie is leaving this Thursday, and new bossie will move into his office on Friday.  

Thanks for the advice about how to handle the situation - I'll let you know how I get on.  Part of me is dreading it, part of me finds it an exciting new opportunity, and part of me is too tired to care!  Hopefully I'll be recovered from my jetlag by the time new bossie is installed!