PA and Secretary Community - Deskdemon.com

I know some of you have posted on this and similar topics before but just wondered what you make of this.

Boss is due back to the office next week after being on holiday for 3 and a half weeks.  One of his direct reports asked me yesterday when he was back and I confirmed it was Monday.  He then proceeded to ask me if my boss knew he had an interview in his diary one day next week.  I checked the date in question and I confirmed the entry was in his diary.

However I was a little shocked.  Because of the wording, I understood it was an interview panel he was involved in, and not an actual interview. On reading it again, I realised the direct report was right.

Question is with all the reshuffling and re-organisation that has been going on, should I be unduly worried where this will leave me.  Two other chief engineers are due to retire this year so they may be farming out the remainder to other vacancies within the company.  

It is rather worrying after being through redundancy and then struggling to find a job and ending up with with this one.  I'm not even sure I could ask my boss about it as he isn't that approachable.

I may, IF the right time and situation came up where it is comfortable to.  If not, I would just see how things play out.

Interesting, particularly since the "direct report" asked you about this.  I presume that "direct report" is a subordinate and wonder why such a person would question what was in their manager's diary if it didn't affect them directly. 

Well, I daresay that all will be made clear in due course, Gee, and you just have to sit tight. 

Hope it all works out well in your favour.

Best wishes,

Rose

Rose I did wonder that too...unless the direct report is on the panel.  Would be just my luck to lose another job or be shifted elsewhere.

Mmmm now a second person has mentioned the "interview" so it's obviously common knowledge.  What was interesting about that chat was the comment...."it will be interesting to see if you go with him".  So minds are also working overtime in this regard and of course I'm oblivious to the whole thing.

I don't think I could go through any more changes here but what would be interesting to know is, if someone at a certain status gets promoted, does their PA get promoted also?  If my boss was offered this role, his job would be further up the pecking order so do that apply to the PA who works for him?  (Just curious).

As I thought the 2 others due to retire will be parked in situ until their retirement happens but it seems changes are afoot and happening fast.
 

I would start listening to the grapevine a lot more closely, but I don't think I would approach the boss about it, especially if you don't really have that type of relationship with him.

Gee

How about asking if there is anything he needs that you can help him with for the interview (in a very sneaky sort of way finding out what it is about, looking good and efficient plus not directly saying you know anything about what others may or may not be saying behind his back!

Jess

Thanks all for your replies, but Marie is right.  Given I am only there a short time and not having a close relationship, it would be hard to approach him about this.

The fact that his diary entry on the subject was "X" Presentations and not "X" Interviews makes me think he didn't want me to know.  I'm not sure if those that mentioned it were informing me subtly, or if they were trying to find out if I already knew but either way it's out of the bag.

I think I would prefer his hand to be forced ie. let him come to me if he has something to tell me or if changes are afoot.  I'm still very new to the company and how they operate.  I just wondered if the situation arose where I had no choice but to move with him to his new role, where would that leave me as regards my progress and development?  I would like more varied work to keep me busy but not sure I want the added responsibility that he is going to take on.

Gee

This would be a great opportunity to learn and grow.  I went through this 2 yrs ago, when my boss changed from one organization to another, completely different area from where my background is /was.  After he told me I was going with him, i embraced the changes and have learned everything I can about this side of the business and continue to do so.  i have partnered with him and he has grown the business teremendously even i these tough economic times.  The more you learn, the more valuable you are and your name stays off the "list".  however, those that are  negative and sit around waiting to be told what to do, instead of taking the initiative to do it, get put right on the top of the list in our organization.  I have rounded my resume of skills by embracing change and learning what I can during the time to add value.  Think positive.

While you may be right on some level Peaches, don't forget this would not be my choice.  I have been through a lot and whilst I want stability it seems in here things change every 3 months or so.  If my boss chooses to apply and accept another role that is his choice but it's not necessarily mine ie.  I haven't applied for a new role or to work in another department.

I shall wait and see what the outcome is.  It's very unsettling given all I have been through of late.

Not the easiest of times for you, Gee - my sympathies.  What an awful thing for you to find out in such a roundabout way - I wonder at the motives of his colleagues, although I'm sure they're not "sinister".

I agree that, not having the closest of relationships with your boss, it would be difficult to approach him about it.  Perhaps just a subtle "hope it goes well" as he goes out the door??

Sit tight, and see how it plays out.  Good thoughts winging their way to you.

Update...

- Direct Report 1 has also been shortlisted for interview
- Direct Report 2 knew DR 1 had been shortlisted AND that my boss had been too - common knowledege apparently (except for me)

Boss has returned from holiday but has cancelled travel for this week, has freed up his diary today, and is on holiday tomorrow to prepare for his interview, I presume.

I am so bored I cannot tell you and thought I might have been busier this week since boss was back.  Now it will be a waiting game to hear the outcome of the interviews later this week.  I along with a few others, think my boss could be a clear favourite.   :-\

Well, one way or t'other, you'll hear something soon.   It's sad that your boss didn't feel able to tell you - regardless of how long you've worked for him you're in a privileged position and he should know that you can be trusted with such confidential information - and esp. as other people within the company were privvy to it.

Still sending good luck.

gee, in all honesty, I would be a lot less worried about what will be happening (or not happening) with your boss and a lot more concerned about that fact that you are not plugged into the office grapevine. I know that you feel strongly about  not gossiping in the office (and I agree with you in not wanting that), but the reality is that every employee and particularly every administrative professional needs to be plugged into the office grapevine. Studies show that it is accurate about 75-95% of the time.

It's important that you find a way to participate in this so that you are more aware of "common knowledge". This will take effort and outreach on your part, but I think it's important to your career to develop that skill.

I am not suggesting that you should share gossip or that you need to pass on rumors yourself. I am however suggesting that you need to get on the "Party line" (old fashioned term with the telephone where everyone could listen to someone's phone calls).

I am actually more concerned about what will be happening to me Marie, not necessarily my boss.  If he gets this job it will impact on me.

Like I said there is no admin network here, secretaries are all very clicky and if information is not readily shared I am not in a position to somehow join the "office grapevine".

To be honest it's hard to know who to trust and who not to, if you get me.

Gee... sorry to hear your plight.  I would think, if you're worried about you, that you'd grab ahold of the option to move with bossie, even if it's not your choice, if it's the difference between a job or no job.  If they are outsourcing jobs, and folks are retiring and not being replaced, I see that the office you're currently in could be going away -- meaning no job soon.  I'd be doing what I could to make myself indespensible to bossie so he'd want to take me with him.  Then if it's still not what you want, you can look elsewhere, but at least you still have a job.

Also, as MsMarie says... you need to have some knowledge of what is going on around you.  If everyone else knows and you don't, to me that's a flag that there's a problem.  I know that places are clicky and not all companies have networking on the brain for admins, but it may be an issue of putting yourself out there and being friendly to help open that door.  I remember you used to say how you told people you don't gossip, don't believe in it, etc, etc...  Depending on how you go about this, you may be closing doors (permanently) that you don't want to.  There are ways of not gossiping but still being friendly, chatty without being too chatty, and hooking into the grapevine without really being "in" it.  In one post I had, I simply had to keep my ears open and listen to the conversations the other admins were having to be kept in the loop.  Yeah, their visiting sometimes drove me nuts while I was trying to work, but I developed an ability to only half-listen, keying in only when certain words were used and such.  In this way, I knew what was going on, never spread gossip, was never in the "in" group, and in some ways this allowed me to be a better admin for bossie because I could start anticipating things (needs, concerns, reports, etc) before he asked for them.

Not knowing how your place is set up, meaning are you where you can listen to others or not, is there a break room you could use as a place of education, a water cooler that you need to start visiting, etc... it's hard to help you.  But I really think, no matter how clicky the admins are, there are ways to start learning information and being "in the know" if you put yourself out there to do it.  Don't think of going to the water cooler as a break, see it as part of your duties to gather all the information you can for your position.

Good luck, no matter what.  Hopefully all will work out the way it should, be that you having a job with bossie in the new position, or keeping a post in the office you're in, or any other option...

CG,  where I am located there is no break room only a canteen as we are not allowed to eat at our desks.  (We have over 500 people in the company, split across 3 buildings).  I am located with my boss along with 3 other managers and another secretary in a sectioned area. 

I guess because I am still fairly new people will not "gossip" with me or at least not divulge information I shouldn't know about.  I've never experienced this "grapevine" thing before and whilst some of you are telling me to get involved, surely it would be much more professional if my boss could keep me informed.  I am sure that the others who are in for this vacancy have informed their secretaries - it's embarrassing to say the least but I already know now what he's like since I have experienced it.  I actually still feel like the temp.

I'm not about to up sticks and leave but at the end of the day without him communicating what is going on, I have no idea.  I feel he should be discussing things with me, not me having to find out from others.  I mean it would have been better for him to inform me he was being shortlisted for promotion.  Isn't it going to be even harder for him to tell me he's got the job, without having alerted me first that he was applying for it?

It seems every time I get a job something major happens to spoil it.

I keep thinking about a post I made in January 2006 which has parallels to your situation ie not being told something I thought I had a right or at the very least an expectation to know - hope this link works

http://www.deskdemon.com/dnet/index.php?topic=7793.msg55615#msg55615 (http://www.deskdemon.com/dnet/index.php?topic=7793.msg55615#msg55615)

Hi Gem, sorry I've taken a while to reply.  The site timed out and it's been a nightmare to log in again.

I read your January posting (and my reply) and it seems nothing has changed as regards PA's being kept informed about these matters.  I think as PA to a Manager or Director it is only right for us to be kept informed since we work closely with that person.  If it was someone who I didn't work for then it wouldn't matter so much.

My initial posting was "do I have a reason to be worried?"  It's not really about whether my boss should have kept me in the loop, but more about how this potential change might impact on me.  If it was the other way round and I was applying for another position, I would no doubt have had to keep him informed.  I think I have a right to be concerned after facing redundancy several times and only being in this job 10 months.

I guess since the vacancy my boss applied for is further up the ladder for him, there will be an announcement of some sort, whoever gets the job.  However out of courtesy, I still expect him to tell me in person if he gets offered the post.  I would also expect him to discuss where that leaves me.

Only time will tell.

He's back now, isn't he?  Has he said anything at all to you?  I can well imagine this whole thing has left you in a state of not inconsiderable anxiety...

Oh yes he's back and has had the interview.

I've been asked this morning by another of his manager's how it went.  Of course I looked blankly at him and he realised I knew nothing about it to which he replied, typical.

It seems when he applied for his current post, he was the rank outsider.  However it does seem on this occasion he is not the clear favourite but anything can happen on the day.

I think there is a second stage to the process so there may not be an outcome immediately.  For now I carry on but it doesn't account for the atmosphere this week and I sense he's been preoccupied with it all which is not having a good affect on me.

Thanks again Gem.

Gee

Does he have a fixed notification period?  Most bosses I have had were expected to give between 3 and 6 month notice! unless it is internal, of course!

Jess

Jess,

It is an internal promotion so no notice required.  My understanding is the new appointee will be in place by 1st September.  However there is a second and third interview before then.

Well, if he goes further in the interview process, perhaps he'll have the courtesy to at least mention it to you ... hope you have a better week of it this week!

Ha, try this for courtesy...

My boss was away on business yesterday and emailed me with a few requests.  One of those was to schedule mid-year reviews for his direct reports.  No problem - 90% of it was done for his return to the office today.

Now that he's back after the holidays, he is travelling a bit more.  So before I left today I spoke to him regards that and the mid-year reviews.

He strangely asked me if I had had mine yet.  I was shocked and said no, I was only made permanent in February.  He then had the cheek to smirk and say, well you know with all the changes happening here I thought Mr X (his boss) had carried out yours.  I was even more shocked.  Why would his boss do my review? 

So I said no.  No one had spoken to me, no one had mentioned it and no one had scheduled anything that I know of.

Is there something I don't know?  I mean why on earth would my immediate boss not do my review and why did he not mention this before if he had no intention of doing it anyway?

I have never met a stranger person or non-communicator.  He only seems to divulge information as it arises.  ???

Well communication is a two way street. Did you ask him if the senior boss would be conducting the review and why?

He more or less said he would speak to his boss to schedule it.  I was so shocked and waited for a reason that I could hardly speak.

It's my first year in the job and no one seems to discuss things in a structured manner.  It's just mentioned as someone remembers it.

I mean what if I hadn't spoken to him or mentioned this until tomorrow say?!  The whole place is bizarre. 

I emailed my boss's direct reports with details of their reviews, so couldn't my boss do that and discuss the process for mine?  I was informed my HR at my induction that my boss would be doing mine - so what has changed and why?

Don't you think your boss gave you the ideal opportunity to ask questions when he said 'With all the changes going on ....'  You've been asking the question in here, why not ask him?  I would.

And then you have to decide.  You say you're not happy in this role.  Do you want it or find something else?  

If you decide you want to stay, you need to find out what's going on and roll with it.
Or decide to cut your losses and find something else and go.

I know and understand that you don't want to leave without something to go to, but if it were me and I was as unhappy as you appear, I would be phoning, not just the agency that found me this job, but the others around, to see what's out there.  Things do appear to be starting slowly to pick up and it may be a good time to move...

I have been in contact with a few agencies over the past lot of months who know I am unhappy.

The problem is there is nothing out there that meets my expectations - most of the jobs are servicing board meetings and preparing minutes (which I hate) or audio typing (which I don't do).

Northern Ireland is very small - most of the jobs are in the capital and even then they are limited as everyone is applying.

I am totally disgusted that my boss cannot communicate with me and that I have to find out these things in such a random manner.  The fact he smirked when he spoke to me yesterday just says it all and I don't trust him. 

If someone else is doing my review I shall wait until I am informed and then I will explain how I feel during my first 9 months here.

I have just spoken to a colleague who is Secretary to the Engineering Director ie. my boss’s boss.

She has confirmed I come under the Engineering Director's remit and whilst HR have asked my boss to do my review, he has in fact never done any secretarial reviews before which is why he informed me his boss will be doing it.

I cannot understand why he hasn’t mentioned this before.  Now it seems I will be having a review with someone I don’t know, who I don't work for directly, who knows nothing about me.

Gee - that place and your boss is just plain weird.  As you quite rightly say, how can someone to whom you don't report and who doesn't know you conduct a review of your work?  Will your boss speak to his boss ie the reviewer to discuss this first?  If that's the case, why don't they conduct it together so at least your idiot boss gets some idea of how to conduct a secretarial review?? :-\

And yes, that smirk would've made me want to give him a slap (and I'm not a violent person!).

My former employers, in the three years I was there, NEVER conducted a review of my work, nor that of my predecessor... in fact, my end-of-probation review happened when I was on holiday.  Oddly, though, they were extremely hot on everyone else having their appraisals.

Well, it's still an opportunity to take and use to your advantage.  Find out more about what you think you should be aware of within the company and don't see it as all negative.

Your boss may not be sure how to tell you about a possible promotion for him (if he's taking you with him), especially since you are new and it can take some time to build up an 'easy' working relationship.  However, if he has concerns about whatever it is for him, he may not be able to tell you that because he hasn't got anything concrete to share...

Gem I have never worked with such numpties!  Not sure about whalloping him but a wake up call in etiquette and manners might help.  Thanks, you made my day!

Jackie I'm sure whatever is on the cards I will know eventually, but I feel it's manners to at least inform your PA that a) a mid year review is due and b) who will be conducting it.  There is no excuse not to pass on information that's relevant to that individual.

As I said before it is not my place to ask apart from the fact my boss is unapproachable and dismissive.  I'm still new to the company so if such matters are not communicated to me then shame on this company for being so poor in that regard.

Gee, when it comes to workplace changes and their impact on YOUR job, it is MOST DEFINITELY your place to ask!!!

Marie,

Prior to being made redundant from my previous company, I made inquiries if my job was safe because things had changed.  I was iformed it was.  Also in my previous company there was no such thing as a review but I asked why and was told it "was not the culture" to put admins through that process.

Management don't/won't/can't be honest to your face.  Perhaps other parts of the UK/US are different but most times when you inquire about these things, you hit a brick wall!

Just to add to my note above.......I am not currently aware of any changes here until I am informed!  Bear in mind it was only by chance that I was told of my boss applying for a promotion.

For the time being, it is none of my business until I am informed, but there is no reason not to inform me of the review process.

Gee - I think there is more going on behind the scenes than you know, and may not be privy to reasons unbeknownst to you at this time.  When you do have your review, be positive.  After all, it is a reflection on you and the impression you make on the next level boss.  You may want to include your accomplishemnts.  However, if you do bring up the negatives, include suggestions for improvement as well.

We are problem solvers and if, as in this case, it's communication --we need to help solve it. Don't wait to be informed. This is about your manager, this is about your job, your future, this is about you --yes it is your business. Schedule a sitdown meeting with your boss. I consider it part of my job to be proactive in finding out information.

You could start with minor day-to-day items to be covered and then share, I see you've been involved in interviewing (after all it's right on his calendar) is there anything I can do to help? How is that going? Put on your most sincere, warm, interested, helpful face. Chat him up. Then ask, how would any changes impact me? It's a very fair question. If he says he doesn't know or puts you off, ask how we (both of you) can find out and you'll research it for him. This discussion could lead into...

Oh, you mentioned your boss will be doing my review --how does that work? Ask questions but keep it conversational. Your boss is sure to be involved in your review in some way. In a former position it was part of my job to do reviews on all the admins in our regional offices. We got written input from peers, other depts, co-workers, mgrs and pretty much anyone who worked closed with the admin. Of course in this case there was also a sitdown mtg with the direct mgr the admin supported. This is how all reviews are done at my current company (though mostly by their own mgr).

As far as the grapevine, sounds like you need to work a bit at getting connected: walk-up and include yourself in groups, be interested in them personally, extra warm and freindly, linger at desks if you can, start a monthly admin team mtg or at least a meet/greet, when someone says something like "typical" and gives you an opening, take it. Say something like why, what have you heard? This isn't gossip if it's work related, it's networking.

You might be suprised, opening up the lines of communication could lead to an overall improvement to your job and happiness in it. Here's hoping!

Well it seems a briefing today will reveal some structural changes.  Seems bossie is getting new role/title within the department regardless of any other job vacancy - bizarre.

Sparkles - for info the "interview" was not mentioned as such on bosses calendar - it was cleverly disguised.  I found out from others, not from his calendar.  As for "walking up and including myself in groups".....the secretaries here are spread across 3 buildings amongst some 500 people so we don't hang about at water coolers chatting.

Gee, I just read this entire thread, but it doesn't appear to be over....what, pray tell, were the announced structural changes, and how did they affect your job?
 ???

Well I missed the team brief on Monday due to other last minute requests.

Nothing has changed as far I as I have been told.  The whole department is being restructured and my boss seems to be taking on a new "job title" regardless of the other vacancy he has applied for. 

I have lost interest to be honest and have come to realise he is very self-sufficient no matter how hard I try to sit down and talk through his diary and travel needs every week - the job is limited and that isn't going to change.

I am informed however I will be having a "chat" with my boss's boss instead of a mid-term review since I haven't been here a full year yet.  I guess you can't have a mid-year review to discuss year end targets and objectives when none have been set.

I'm still applying for other jobs and am considering contract or even temp work again, for the sake of being busy and to keep my brain active.  It's soul destroying to come to work every day and have little to do.  I don't understand how a company can pay someone to do that.

I am on holiday soon and cannot wait for the break.

I have lost interest to be honest and have come to realise he is very self-sufficient no matter how hard I try to sit down and talk through his diary and travel needs every week - the job is limited and that isn't going to change.

I sympathise, Gee.  It is SO hard to remain interested when you're treated as a cipher.

I'm still applying for other jobs and am considering contract or even temp work again, for the sake of being busy and to keep my brain active.  It's soul destroying to come to work every day and have little to do.  I don't understand how a company can pay someone to do that.

Ah - now that would be my last job!  I was there just over three years and I think 2 years of that was thinking up things to keep myself busy and sane.  But my bosses just seemed content that I was there to react to their every needs - even to being glad when I was back from holiday because they wouldn't have to make their own coffee (honest, I heard one of them say that ...)

I am on holiday soon and cannot wait for the break.

Enjoy!  You deserve it and do try and switch off.

Had a late tea break this morning with my colleague who is also concerned.  Her boss is due to retire and so that kinda leaves us both in a strange situation.

With all the changes going on, other bosses who are moving to new roles are taking their secretaries with them, which makes sense.  To be honest there's nowhere for me to move to that I feel I would be happy in so I shall keep on job hunting once I return from holiday.

Is it Friday yet?  I'm freezing here!

gee4

don't know if its the same where you are, but I'm currently in a similar situation to geminigirl, as you know I started the 'most of my job has been outsourced' thread.

I have been applying for the odd job here and there and was due to meet a recruitment consultant last Thursday morning for coffee so that she could get a feel of me before sending in my CV.  Its not a big agency, rather an independent, and I got this role through a similar recruiter.  She was also seeing two other possibles that day.

I got a call Thursday morning as I am literally standing there in my undies, blow drying my hair  :D to say that the company had advertised with another agency (which she was unaware of), got people in for interviews Monday-Wednesday, and had found two they liked, so don't bother sending your ladies in.

Needless to say the recruiter wasn't happy as she had to stand down three prospective interviews.  I considered meeting up with her anyway for a chat, but most of her roles are in Central London and I don't want to commute unless I have to (i.e. I have no job at all).  The role she had mentioned was pretty local.

The issue I am coming across is that even if I was on a 'normal' notice period of 1 month, there are so many good staff out there out of work, that people can interview very quickly and start immediately.

So I am sitting tight for the moment and seeing what new boss will be like later in the year.  Old boss is being very nice to me at the moment but after a few issues with him, I'm suspicious ......

A brief update...

Firstly, the deadline for mid year reviews was last Friday and I didn't have one.  That I can accept given I have not yet completed a full year on a permanent contract.

As for my boss, well he was unsuccessful in his promotion, so for now I guess things stay as they were.

Are you glad or sorry he didn't get the promotion?  ;)

Mmm, I'm not sure because I don't know how the promotion, if successful, would have affected me.

As it stands his current role is changing somewhat anyway, but as I said before, I have no idea what that means as far as I am concerned.  ???

Gee - My bosses role changed a while ago, and I just got in there and learned what I could about the new responsibilities.  It is to your benefit to learn all you can and have more good stuff to add to your resume.  Use it to your advantage. 

I wish I could.  The problem is no one seems to communicate so it's difficult to ask about stuff that I don't yet know about, if you see what I mean.

I started from day 1 scheduling 30 min. to 1 hour weekly"action items" meetings with my boss.  I keep a log and provide him a copy of his and my action items.  High level, in excel by category (high level topic).  We run through it and adjust where needed.  Keeps us working form the "same page" if you will.  Sometimes you don't know what you don't know.  This helps to bring those things out and open for discussion.  Provides a good time for guidance.  He remembers actions from a meeting that he has and shares with me and I add it on.  Usually there are actions from those for me, ie: meetings, research, etc.  See if your boss is receptive. 

Tried that  - he's not interested.  I am lucky if I get 5 mins with him on a Monday or any day he's in the office, and that's just to book his travel.  He's usually running off to his next meeting.

His job doesn't really warrant the duties of a PA, not in this type of company anyway.

I'm in total shock... :o

I've just been literally "briefed" and informed that in light of recent restructuring, some secretaries are being redeployed.  I knew it was on the cards but a proper sit-down formal chat would have been welcome.

Not only shall I be moving buildings again (!), but I shall be supporting A.N. Other who I don't even know.  It will be like starting all over again.

Is it any wonder admin staff get disgruntled when this is how management treat them.  I quite literally feel sick.  You can imagine my face when my boss's boss asked me if I was aware of the imminent change and again when he asked if anyone had made me aware this was happening. 

Why do people assume someone else has done their dirty work?!

Gee, why do they assume someone else has done their dirty work?  Probably why I am invariably asked to give other people 'bad news' .  We are good at our jobs and can look anyone in the eye and say what we mean and mean what we say without being overwhelmed by supposedly superior staff members/clients.  A bit like the police officers who are too good at telling families that someone has died - they always then get stuck with giving out the bad news and nobody else is ever asked (hope nobody takes offence at that example.  It was the first one that came to mind and not intended in any way to dig at anyone - I always feel sorry for people who have to give bad news (I usually feel it is my job to make their job slightly easier, like when I got my bad news in 2005).

Jess

Jess this has nothing to do wth giving bad news.

This is very clearly an HR issue, there for the welfare of employees.  As usual, HR had no answers for me as regards the imminent change in role and duties, so not sure who is pulling the strings.

This was just a pass-the-buck job when in fact HR should have got involved and sat me down with my colleague and explained what is going to happen with each of us and how we will be affected.

It has to be the worst company I have ever worked for as regards communication.  Where does that fall into protocol?

If only management adopted those attributes they expect from a PA...

Anyway this morning I have had a further discussion with HR AND have been re-acquainted with my new boss.  A completely different character from my current boss but perhaps a breath of fresh air if I am honest.

The move could take longer than expected and may not happen for a few weeks, but I shall be juggling workloads for two departments until everything is finalised.

That should keep me busy and off the boards for a while!!  ;)

(Now, where did I put that kettle?)

Gee, I was only using the example of giving out bad news as an example of buck passing, not as the issue itself.  8)

Gee -start out with the new boss scheduling your 30 min to 1 hour meetings with him to help the transition for you and him.  Good Luck and start fresh - establish communication from the beginning.

Hopefully I shall be able to meet with my new boss on his return to the office tomorrow.  However he travels even more than my current boss so not sure if we will be able to have regular weekly 1:1s.

I shall just have to wait and see how it goes once the transition is made.  As usual I have not been given a date to move as the location we are all going to is not ready yet - typical for this company it would seem.

Hi Gee (and everyone!)

Sorry to be coming to this late - it's been totally hectic at work these last few weeks and don't get to check the boards too often. 

Gee - I have to hand it to you - you sure do pick disasters to work for!!  I am astonished (but somehow not surprised, if that makes any sense!) at what stands for management - and particularly man management - at the company you work for.  They certainly seem to play fast and loose with their employees and, in particular, the administration staff.

I'm so glad that you think the new new boss will be better to work for - I'm tempted to say, couldn't be much worth but I hate to tempt fate.  Look on it as a new beginning without having to get to know all the new procedures that changing employers would mean.

I hope the new guy turns out to be a plus and, with a new office move, I hope it means you get to work in a warm office (and can eat at your desk if you want to!) and that your new office companions aren't cliquey as some you've experienced there.

Lots of new pluses to come, I hope!!  ;)

?&%$£!*(

Sorry people, had to swear before I posted!

It's a mess, unfair and just plain embarrassing to find out 'unofficially' that there is more to this job than I actually know about.

I am disgusted that no handover has taken place with anyone - a casual chat with my boss before relocation does not suffice and I blame HR in the first instance for not handling this appropriately.  It has to be the worst company I have worked for as regards communication, although in reality after all that's gone on, I am not surprised.

GEM, when made redundant you don't always have the opportunity to "pick" and choose jobs.  No one knows a disaster is round the corner until you're right in the middle of it.  Believe me if I could leave this disaster behind I would. 

Hi Gee

I'm so sorry if I sounded flippant - I certainly didn't intend to offend.  And you are quite right - when out of work one doesn't have such a choice as picking and choosing employers.  I know that you would if you could.  And I wish you could, too.

What I really mean is, I do so hope that all this mess turns out to be a blessing in disguise - you certainly deserve a break after all the c$^* you've had to put up with these last few years.

Having lived and worked in southern England, I know how much easier it is to pick and choose jobs.  NI is very small in comparison - everybody knows somebody somewhere.

Five more weeks to go and then let's see what 2010 brings!  :)

God what a frightening thought!  This year has just flown by.  Have only just started my Christmas shopping ... and a very much pared-down Christmas it will be this year.