I've never been good at office politics and this week proved to be no exception. It has been suggested that I be promoted to a very desirable position in the company. I was flattered as it would represent a significant jump in pay and responsibility for me. But as I have thought on it, and thought on it, I've come to realize it is an unrealistic jump. Too many jobs in between my position and this one. I'm not a good candidate for the job.

So why was my name offered up? If I take the job and fail it will discredit me with the new owner (who seems to favor me) and it will leave the job open for the person who suggested my name. She's a cunning one and I've watcher her play office politics like this before, it's just my turn.

So now what? If the job is offered to me I could still accept and work like hell to be successful. Odds are this wouldn't work out. I'm going to stick with my original plan of working 2-3 more years for this company while looking for an opportunity to start or purchase my own company.

Dave

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Ukulele music I couldn't find anywhere else.
[colquhoun.info]

you need to stick with either beer, or office politics. when you mix the two, things usually don't end well.....

tell your employer about your apprehensions. if you voice your concerns and they want to go forward, then its their fault, not yours. say that you'd rather stay in your current position and stay with the company than be promoted and risk failure and replacement. perhaps they can find a way to comfortably transition you into the burden of a higher tax bracket.

>>She's a cunning one and I've watcher her play office politics like this before, it's just my turn.

Seems like the best way to show her up would be to accept the position and then to excel at it.

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mattkime
tell your employer about your apprehensions. if you voice your concerns and they want to go forward, then its their fault, not yours.

Even if it's their fault, once you're in the position they'll forget all about that little discussion, just as they seem to forget all about those "we'll pay you less until we're sure you're right for the job, then expect significant pay increases" discussions when interviewing for a job.

I think Dave needs to get started with his own company, then send us all free samples of the beer!.

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"In science it often happens that scientists say, 'You know that's a really good argument; my position is mistaken,' and then they would actually change their minds and you never hear that old view from them again. They really do it. It doesn't happen as often as it should, because scientists are human and change is sometimes painful. But it happens every day. I cannot recall the last time something like that happened in politics or religion." (1987) -- Carl Sagan

Do you have that little confidence in your abilities? Sounds like you do. You are more afraid of failing than believing you can suceed. Who cares that there are intra-company positions you are leaping over. That happens all the time. That is the usual M.O. of management. If you don't take the job they will think you are weak and your career at that company is shot. I will guarantee you that. You have two choices: step up or step out. Man up.

I'm with Chupa. Seize the opportunity and knock 'em dead. What's wrong with more responsibility and more money?

I agree with Chupa and tenders. It seems that the memory people hold for folks who don't "step up" to a promotion or extra responsibility is both strong and long.

If it is a serious career path it seems hard to pass up an option to do more. You understand that you are "biding your time" for a few years, and then plan on lelving. How will it look to others?

Todd's "Peter Principle, sort of" keyboard

It is not unusual to believe that a promotion is a stretch. Most time, a newly promoted person doesn't already know how to do the new job. They have to grow into it. Which is the point, somethimes.

At this point, play along. Keep your options open. There will come a point where you will realize that you need to either withdraw from consideration, or accept the job if it is offered. You can't string it out any longer without leading them on. If you leave the option open past this point, you will be obligated if they offer. At this point, go talk to the owner. Confide in your concerns, but at the same time, express confidence.

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Don't ask who the bell's for, dude. It's you.

Take it and enjoy the extra earnings until you leave.

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I'm not a bad guy! I work hard, and I love my kids. So why should I spend half my Sunday hearing about how I'm going to Hell? -Homer.

I'll throw in with Chupa et al.

UNLESS you think the new position would stress you out or deprive you of family/free time you currently enjoy, I'd take it, do the best you can with it, and leave when the time is right.

Rise ABOVE office politics. Don't play their game. I'm constantly amazed at the things small-minded people will do for just a teensy-weensy bit of power over others. Disturbing.

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chas_m




[crawlingfromtheusa.blogspot.com] <-- Moving to Canada blog

Concern about required skills is not necessarily inappropriate. If there are skills or knowledge that the job requires that you know you don't have, then the concerns may be well founded.

As you consider the job sort out for yourself which parts of the job you are ready for and which parts you are less comfortable about. Then think through what it would take for you to be comfortable (e.g. training). In your conversation with the new owner, discuss those specific requirements. You may be able to agree whether you can get those skills on the job or need to wait until you get the skills or knowledge before taking the position. The key is to know what you need to know and what it would take to get it and have a plan for doing so. The new owner can then decide whether or not that works. If NOT, then it is not you turning down the job, but you have declare that you are interested in learning what you need to know.

This all assumes that the owner is interested in having successful employees and successful promotions. If the owner is like the lass who mentioned your name, then it is a different game altogether!

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Todd's keyboard
I agree with Chupa and tenders. It seems that the memory people hold for folks who don't "step up" to a promotion or extra responsibility is both strong and long.

This is pretty close to a universal truth, regardless of how noble your reasons for staying "committed" to the current postion might be. Are you prepared to be treated like you're invisible for those last 2-3 years?

Now that the position's been offered, there's no turning back-- you're in for an uphill battle no matter which you choose.

dup post. hiccup, hiccup...

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"Who's more foolish - the fool or the fool that follows him?" - Obi Wan Kenobi



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 08/27/2007 12:09AM by RgrF.

I went back and reread your original post. Has the job actually been offered or is your nomination gist in the company rumor mill? Are you speculating that you'll have a decision to make or has the offer been made?

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"Who's more foolish - the fool or the fool that follows him?" - Obi Wan Kenobi