Need advice - Starting new mgmt position...

[hd883chopper]

Hey everybody,

I wanted to get some advice on something, just curious what ya'll have to say. I'll be starting a new job in a few weeks. I was hired as an Operations / Acct. Manager for an insurance company. I'll have 4 employees reporting to me. The potential is excellent and everything seems near perfect except one thing seemed a little odd. After my second interview with my future boss, I casually asked where my actual office was, you know, my working space. I was shown a very nice and typical office. No frills, three walls and a door. Cool.

A few minutes later I was shown that there are 3 very very nice offices with 8' windows looking out to the lake. 2 of the 3 were taken by managers my equal or higher. No problem. I respect seniority all day long.

However, the last office was taken by one of my future employees. Hmmm. I must admit I am surprised that the top manager did not reserve that space for an incoming manager and I would certainly have wanted the nicer office if it were my choice. Who wouldn't right?

Should I even ask my boss why one of my employees would have the obviously nicer space to work in all week? I'd like to, but I don't want to seem petty. But at the same time, I don't want to weak in that I'm afraid to speak up. After all, the position I was hired for is a pretty powerful position with ties to big money accts and influence.

Imagine your kids had the master suite at home and you had their room. LOL. You should say screw it, you've got a roof over your head but you keep telling yourself "I thought I was running the show, not the kids." Anyway, maybe I'm overthinking it, maybe I'm being childish, but its an unusual spot that I've never experienced in my professional career up to this point.

Any thoughts?

Thx,
HD.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Need advice - Starting new mgmt position...

Nope that wouldn't fly with me, in fact it's disrespectful of your employer to think this would be ok.

Take the job, then move the employee. If the company doesn't like it I guess you know what they thought of you don't you.

I don't know how you handled it if it were me I would have gone off like a shuttlecock.

 

[matt167]

Re: Need advice - Starting new mgmt position...

Perhaps the employee did something to deserve the office. You need to assess the situation first as to why the employee got that office. Perhaps the person you are replacing gave his office to his best employee as a reward for good work and to remain personable. Then if you go and kick him out, you will look like someone on a power trip..

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Need advice - Starting new mgmt position...

I'm doing some office re-arrangement currently for my staff. Making sure folks have the proper office according to level, needs, etc. is an important factor of managing.

The fact that you noticed an inconsistency may indicate something about how your boss manages or not manages.

It is something that you should quietly address once you get there and learn more of the ins and outs.

Just my 2 cents.

Best of luck with the new job.

 

[82rude]

Re: Need advice - Starting new mgmt position...

does the employee of said office call the boss dad or uncle?

 

[Jim Hawkins]

Re: Need advice - Starting new mgmt position...

Consider that as a new employee you are somewhat probationary. Get in there, learn how things work, show them what you can do and when you have established yourself take the office if thats in your power OR after a particularly good day say to the boss with a S.E.G., have I earned that lake front office yet?

Maybe there testing you.

 

[aspeck]

Re: Need advice - Starting new mgmt position...

I would wait till I am established and see why it is this way. Then play your cards as best you can.

shucks, I just offered one of my staff a nicer office than mine ... Mine fits my needs and I didn't want to move ... There are sometimes reasons that subordinates have the appearance of bigger and better offices ... Maybe it is a lack of heating/cooling? Never know!

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Need advice - Starting new mgmt position...

Yep ^^^^

Another choice is that the overall office space was larger then necessary, given the # of managers & subordinates, when the lake view offices were 'choosen'. Or there was nobody in your pending position long enough, for a subordinate to take the nice lake view office, as it had been vacant for quite a while.

As a manager, as long as our goals are met, I have no problem pushing my bosses for the guys working under me to get rewards, raises or promoted. I will do pretty much anything to make sure they are pushing for & striving to meet our goals. If they aren't, I won't be able to make our goal.

It may not make great sense looking in from the outside, but give it a shot, see what's what. Joining an established team, in middle management can be difficult at times. For now, you don't know how the other managers & other subordinates view the 1 subordinate that got the good office space. As mentioned, that office may not be as ideal as it seems.

Once you've joined the team, it may make more sense to not make any changes. The position may not even end up a good fit for you, so why make it more challenging for yourself right at the start. Even if the subordinate doesn't 'deserve' the good office, as a subordinate, what will the upheaval cost you, short term? Who ever has that office will DEFINITELY be against moving, no matter their level in the organization.

One subordinate thinking that they deserve more then they are getting, thinking they've been wronged and 'lost' something they thought they deserved, or that are generally disgruntled on a daily basis can be extremely problematic.

Having let a supervisor that worked for me go about 8months ago, I am still dealing w/ the chaos, created before & while they were on the way out, with the other guys that work for me. Not every day, not every week, and not on every job. But regular enough for it to continue to be a problem. Not having anyone available that was qualified to fill the supervisor position, for nearly 6mo, certainly didn't help. Once naming a supervisor, he too occasionally is forced to address the problems that lead to the previous guy's non-voluntary departure.

Good luck w/ the new position, I hope it's a rewarding & lucrative move for you.

 

[rbh]

Re: Need advice - Starting new mgmt position...

Don't rock the boat till you know who's who.
You are the new manager, this person may be the leader, there is a difference.

 

[bassman284]

Re: Need advice - Starting new mgmt position...

Yeah, my guess is this guy has been there a long time and people in your position have tended to turn over fairly frequently. And there may be a reason for that.

 

[Fishing Dude too]

Re: Need advice - Starting new mgmt position...

I look at it this way do what you want, take the office. Then again might put you back on the street. Most higher ups think they are better than those below without showing they are worth a plug nickel.

 

[QC]

Re: Need advice - Starting new mgmt position...

I would have gone off like a shuttlecock.

LMAO Just saw this.

Nothing else to contribute. Sorry.

 

[hd883chopper]

Great responses everyone! I really appreciate it.

The fact that you noticed an inconsistency may indicate something about how your boss manages or not manages.

It is something that you should quietly address once you get there and learn more of the ins and outs.

This was something I was concerned with as well. Does this speak to upper mgmt. style. Hmmm. Makes you wonder...

does the employee of said office call the boss dad or uncle?

LOL - funny Actually, if that was the case, I would know exactly where I stand but no. This employee is actually the newest, youngest and least experienced of the 4 FTE's.

Consider that as a new employee you are somewhat probationary. Get in there, learn how things work, show them what you can do and when you have established yourself take the office if thats in your power OR after a particularly good day say to the boss with a S.E.G., have I earned that lake front office yet?

Maybe there testing you.

I agree that a new employee mgr or not is somewhat probationary. And although I feel that a very diplomatic approach would be to shine in my new position, it remains awkward that my employee is positioned in what could only be considered the managers office. There are three offices on the exterior wall. The Regional Mgr, a dept. manager which will be my equal and my employee. Awkward...

Sounds crazy but the test thing actually did enter my mind but I dismissed it because it seemed to much like a tin foil hat conspiracy. But hey, its possible they want to see if the new mgr has the "stones" for the job....

I would wait till I am established and see why it is this way. Then play your cards as best you can.

shucks, I just offered one of my staff a nicer office than mine ... Mine fits my needs and I didn't want to move ... There are sometimes reasons that subordinates have the appearance of bigger and better offices ... Maybe it is a lack of heating/cooling? Never know!

The only reason I'm concerned about letting time pass to see how things go is because then I've sent a statement that I may not be a strong as a manager as I've advertised myself.
There are good reasons why sub's can have nicer offices and I'm fine with practicality. This individual has less than 18 months at the office, performs an administrative support position (data entry, scanning and elec filing). Again, seems odd and unusual.

My suspicion is this. The previous mgr for my position held their job for over a decade. That mgr held the inside less attractive office. There was once a sales exec in the office who occupied the managers office; that position has been eliminated entirely. I feel that the Sales Exec office was vacant and my predecessor did not feel like relocating their office. I've been there too and its a hassle. The co. hired this low level employee and since they needed a decent amount of surface area to work with files, printing and scanning, an office of some sort made sense instead of a cubicle. Since the existing mgr did not wish to move, this left only the vacant 3rd managers office. 18 months later, I show up on the scene and see a very unusual situation since my boss didn't take the time to explain to this person that technically, they should be in another location. Just my guess of how things went down. Who knows...

Even if the subordinate doesn't 'deserve' the good office, as a subordinate, what will the upheaval cost you, short term? Who ever has that office will DEFINITELY be against moving, no matter their level in the organization.

One subordinate thinking that they deserve more then they are getting, thinking they've been wronged and 'lost' something they thought they deserved, or that are generally disgruntled on a daily basis can be extremely problematic.

This exactly. Although I feel it needs to be addressed with my future boss, I'm concerned about the possible after effects. Even if its not from that employee, will the others see me as a bully? This could be messy no matter what I do. Do nothing, I'm giving up a perk that some would argue fits in line with the position. Also run the risk of appearing timid or ignorant as to how most operations would place a manager with their employees. If I do push, I could appear a bully and selfish. What a pickle

Don't rock the boat till you know who's who.
You are the new manager, this person may be the leader, there is a difference.

Could be but I doubt it. The newest, youngest and least compensated employee. Performing administrative tasks that do not require industry knowledge beyond a few on boarding training sessions.

I look at it this way do what you want, take the office. Then again might put you back on the street. Most higher ups think they are better than those below without showing they are worth a plug nickel.

Oh I agree. The potential to damage relationships from the onset is on the line here. I'm just concerned that doing nothing, may....just may be equally risky. Not to mention it would eventually work on me that this is happening. I'd always be wondering why.....

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Need advice - Starting new mgmt position...

Make the less attractive office location, MORE attractive for the admin support duties the subordinate performs. Centrally located, ease of access to peripheral office areas and other staff offices, closer to the primary supply storage, shared main printer, etc.....

Suggested to your direct report boss in a manner that lets them come to the same decision, that moving the admin support office could improve office efficiencies. Then they can make the change as part of an office re-vamping that also includes you coming aboard.

Good luck. I highly recommend an online subscription to Dilbert :watermelon:

Here's 1 to get you started:

 

[glenn property of pam]

Re: Need advice - Starting new mgmt position...

Have you considered that the office may be used by more than one person or other things are stored in the office requiring space especially if the person is further down the food chain. Also most managers do not like a window where the outside world can see in (ground floor) so maybe the person before you choose the office so he could play solitaire in private :laugh:. I know we had to install blinds on the managers office after someone knocked on the window and told him to move the 7 of hearts.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Need advice - Starting new mgmt position...

I was hired into my company in a director position; effectively I sit in a VP role just below the owner. We're a small business, so it's not as big a deal as titles might suggest, but it puts me pretty much at the top of our food chain.

When I started there, I wound up taking a desk that is out in the open in a room with 3 other people. That's practically a little bit sticky (needing privacy from time to time as a manager), but 8 years later ... I've intentionally stayed at the same desk. I've considered getting into one of our offices, but the reality is I'm more effective working in the place that I am and working around the practical inconveniences.

IMHO, you're way to new to the position and situation to know if it's an issue that you're not in that space. Your ability to be an effective manager shouldn't really related to what office you have. Can it influence your image? Sure. But your managerial skill should be able to overcome that influence.

Too many people out there spend time trying to look like successful managers and not enough time actually being effective managers.

 

[hd883chopper]

Have you considered that the office may be used by more than one person or other things are stored in the office requiring space especially if the person is further down the food chain. Also most managers do not like a window where the outside world can see in (ground floor) so maybe the person before you choose the office so he could play solitaire in private :laugh:. I know we had to install blinds on the managers office after someone knocked on the window and told him to move the 7 of hearts.

I suppose its possible, I'll find out shortly. Someone peeping my solitaire won't be a problem on the 25th floor

I was hired into my company in a director position; effectively I sit in a VP role just below the owner. We're a small business, so it's not as big a deal as titles might suggest, but it puts me pretty much at the top of our food chain.

When I started there, I wound up taking a desk that is out in the open in a room with 3 other people. That's practically a little bit sticky (needing privacy from time to time as a manager), but 8 years later ... I've intentionally stayed at the same desk. I've considered getting into one of our offices, but the reality is I'm more effective working in the place that I am and working around the practical inconveniences.

IMHO, you're way to new to the position and situation to know if it's an issue that you're not in that space. Your ability to be an effective manager shouldn't really related to what office you have. Can it influence your image? Sure. But your managerial skill should be able to overcome that influence.

Too many people out there spend time trying to look like successful managers and not enough time actually being effective managers.

Southkogs, as far as your mgmt. philosophy, it's hard to argue with anything you've listed. Take the time to learn company strategy and operations as well as gel with your team. #1 over any office space. I'm with ya.

I just find the situation a little upside down and I'm wrestling with how to broach the subject. I'm enjoying all the opinions from everyone. I really appreciate it.

 

[glenn property of pam]

Re: Need advice - Starting new mgmt position...

Our biggest office originally built for the vp is called the sweat box. It has 3 big windows over looking the pond with a fountain and at 2pm the sun is so strong on that side of the building the ac can hardly keep up. The nice office next to it is called stinkys as the flushing sound from the bathroom next door is annoying but its one up from the maze (cubicles). I would find out why the person has the office before considering why you do not have it.

 

[hd883chopper]

Re: Need advice - Starting new mgmt position...

I would find out why the person has the office before considering why you do not have it.

Glenn, that is an excellent point that was not clear until reading your post. I'll have to probe for answers as I move forward. Great point.

 

[generator12]

Re: Need advice - Starting new mgmt position...

Chopper, you won't appear weak because you accepted the assigned office as a new hire. You might present yourself poorly if you bring it up before you even start, however.

Regardless of your status - and that of the guy who currently has the "very nice" office - you're there to perform. The status symbols in a properly run place are indications of performers at least as much as they are of positions. So if you have confidence that this place is where you want to be, go in and perform.

I once was saddled with a counterpart - equal level in a different function - with whom I had to work closely every day, and who was always very aware of the status stuff. Had to have the biggest, best office, newest office equipment (even once "redirected" my purchase of some office equipment to his group when he realized it would make his group look like laggards) and every other sign and symbol. In essence, he was competing with me for best appearance.

It made no difference though in our actual status. His pettiness showed through. When people needed something done, they came to me and my group. When the plant manager wanted to show appreciation for our mutual work, he took special pains to single my group out. Drove this guy crazy. The quality of the office, in the end, meant virtually nothing to anyone except him.

Go in and do the job as well as you can. The rest will take care of itself. Your time will come.