I recently joined a new company after taking a few months off to give myself a mental health break.

Anonymous

April 12,2022 at 8:33AM UTC

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I recently joined a new company after taking a few months off to give myself a mental health break. When I joined the company, our team was relatively new, so we had the opportunity to do a skills assessment and ensure everyone's responsibilities aligned with their previous experience or something that they enjoyed doing. I really liked this and thought it was a great way to organize our team.

Our boss shared last week, much to our surprise, that our team is now moving to a new area of the business (she requested the change herself), no details in terms of roles and responsibilities as they need to be determined, but don't share this information with anyone outside our team as everything needs to be confirmed. They even said, "I can't imagine our roles and responsibilities will change much, but who knows, everything may change!" We are now left in the dark for the next steps, our roles, our team - but get this, we are being invited to all of the new team's meetings, chat rooms, and team spaces.

I know that these changes and moves happen all the time, but in my previous experience, usually there is a plan in place, some sort of communication to understand the business need and why, as well as the opportunity to discuss what this means with your manager, or at least a bit humility when announcing something this big! Our manager announced the change, went out for holiday, and cancelled our catch ups for the week because she is too busy.

I am the only one on our team who has really interacted with this new team on previous projects and everything is in disarray - there is little organization, roles and responsiblities aren't defined and logistically, the team doesn't align with our timeline (8 hour difference). I've been completely honest with my manager saying I don't enjoy helping this team, and I look forward to us stepping away and focusing on other parts of my role.

After the announcement, I flagged via email to my manager that I am very interested to understand more about what is happening because I have struggled to understand what is going on with the team and how I was to help them over the past few months - it was a very overwhelming experience, but that note has just been brushed aside as "this is how this environment is, please don't worry as we figure out the details, this is a great move for all of us."

I feel thrown into a corner and with our catch ups being cancelled, there is no opportunity to speak privately with my manager about this. I feel like the only way I can get out is if I find a new role - either within the company or outside the company.

Am I over reacting to these changes? I know that there is so much change happening, but as I feel slighted and belittled for questioning what is happening and I feel like the trust has been broken between myself and my manager because of it.

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Echo SchneiderApril 12,2022 at 12:29PM UTC
Unexpected shifts like that can be hard for sure. They are very different than preparing for a new role you expected to move into as you experienced.
I would wager a guess your Manager isn't wanting to address it directly with you because she honestly doesn't know the answers to your questions yet.
I would do your best to focus on the next steps in front of you, what you need to do to start learning what will be happening today, and this week, and less about what is coming over the next months if that isn't yet solidified.
And as always, if you haven't already done so, update your resume and consider looking externally if you want to have a back-up plan.
Change comes often in the workplace and learning to adapt and not be overwhelmed by it takes time for all of us. Hang in there! Many of us have been through situations just like yours and are here to say they turned out well.
AnonymousApril 25,2022 at 5:19PM UTC
Thank you, I really appreciate your advice!
Chris WeisbarthApril 12,2022 at 12:36PM UTC
I understand and have been there myself in the past. You are not over reacting but you are evaluating. I would not say the trust has been broken but I see why you would use that term as you most likely think that your manager would explain everything in greater detail and include you more if your manager trusted you. Most of the time this is not a case of your manager not trusting you but your manager trying to navigate through these changes just like you are trying to do. Your manager may also be restricted to providing this info or may not actually have this info. My advice on this one, be a support person for your manager and continue to let your manager know that you are onboard and willing to help where needed. As far as the issue with the change and the disorganization - you can also become the biggest asset here. The "environment" is going to need structure and SOP's (standard operating procedures). When a situation presents itself, take the steps to address the situation, find a resolution and create a proposal for an SOP for these situations that arise which are related. This will show your manager that you are onboard, support the team and also can lead where needed. No one person can make a department successful, it takes a team. With all this being said, remember to keep your own wellbeing in mind and make sure you are being valued. I do not believe your manager wanted to belittle you but the truth is that your manager probably feels a little embarrassed that they do not have all the answers nor does your manager like to look like they have created chaos. You sound like a very intelligent person who is a hard worker and puts their best foot forward. Even if you decide that you want to find another position or even leave the company, always know that there is a team of women out here to support you.
AnonymousApril 25,2022 at 5:19PM UTC
Thank you, I really appreciate your advice!
AnonymousApril 14,2022 at 12:56PM UTC
So, as a organizational change manager, my advice to you is to try to become one of the early adopters and see if you can employ some change management tools to whatever this change is.
They’re already late to the game on this advice and have already created some negative buzz around the change, but it’s not too late. The reason I went into change management is because I hate change and figured out the reason why is because organizations do not prepare their employees or partners for the change. While trying to do something good, they create chaos and resistance. Get involved with communicating the “what’s in it for me” (WIIFM) to the organization (based on needs and motivations) and you’ll feel better about it! Wishing you well!
AnonymousApril 25,2022 at 5:19PM UTC
Thank you, I really appreciate your advice!