My boss at my new job doesn’t have time to train me

Anonymous

May 12,2023 at 2:06PM UTC

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My boss at my new job doesn’t have time to train me

I just started 5 weeks ago, but couldn’t really do much bc it took 3 weeks to gain security clearance to use my system. Since then, I’ve learned much, but we are hopping all over the place in terms of type of project and some tasks I’ve never seen before are thrown at me to figure out. I’m afraid to do anything for fear it is not correct. (In my mgr’s frustration at her own overwhelming schedule, she’s accused me 3 times in less than a week of something I did not do.) It doesn’t help that I started with another employee who had used our system at a previous job and who had access for twice as long as I have, and who breezes through work and is very quick to point out how well she is doing-instructing me in our team meetings before our manager has a chance to do so. I feel like this skews my manager’s view of what is a reasonable benchmark this early into training. I’m at a loss as to how to handle this on so many levels.

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Kristin BurnsMay 12,2023 at 3:52PM UTC
It sounds like you need to manage up. Make sure you are documenting your projects and progress - even an end-of-the-week email to your manager updating her on what you did this week can be a start. Also make a list of questions on new systems and set up time with your coworker for training. It's hard to ask for help, but better now than letting it stay difficult for the next month. If your self-esteem is suffering, make a list of the skills you bring to the role. Chances are they hired you for a reason and are ok with it taking time to onboard so long as you are able to show your skills that reinforce that reason.
AnonymousMay 12,2023 at 6:50PM UTC
I'm in a similar situation now.
I have to rely on someone's help who has decades of experience doing a job duty that is new to me. He has taken a lot for granted, and he works in an office adjacent to my boss. I have learned that he has said horrible things to my boss about me, but I'm stuck here so what can I do?
I am just doing my best to learn what I can and to improve every day. Fortunately, I have a lot of other job duties so appearing to be
I'm also documenting every little thing, and you should so this just in case. Forward all emails to yourself so you have your own copies of incriminating information you can use against them if things get ugly. A lawyer can use those forwards to subpoena emails from them based on date and time and subject line. If they fire you, you won't have access to your emails but they will.
Keep a diary, preferably hand-written in a bound notebook (like those old-fashioned school notebooks with marble-looking covers), and keep that notebook at home, not at work.
AnonymousMay 15,2023 at 3:18PM UTC
Yes but no... if you forward anything to your personal email that may include private or personal information about a customer or co-worker you just shot yourself in the foot so to speak.
SaraMay 14,2023 at 2:58PM UTC
When someone is training you ask lots of questions and take extensive notes. Do not be afraid to ask them to wait so you can take your notes. Write it in full sentences so you can clearly know what it means later. I'm new in a position too and the training material is not great. I take my notes like this and then type them up after so that it reinforces it in my brain, and then usually go through it with my boss later to make sure I got it right. It sounds tedious, but it's better to learn things right from the beginning than find out down the road that you were doing it wrong.
AnonymousMay 15,2023 at 5:14PM UTC
I would speak to the manager in private let them know of your lesser experience and express gratitude to the person who started with you for getting you up to speed. Let the manager know what you need from them and also that you are fine to take feedback but will also let them know when they are incorrect in their assumptions about what you have or have not done. Be clear and kind when you speak but also firm in the way you tell them what you need. Keep in mind you are breaking them in and they are breaking you in at the same time. It's all about setting expectations on both sides. Stay upbeat and if ultimately after ~6 months it's not working then think about your decision to continue there. Take help when you need it from others who have been there longer.
roseMay 17,2023 at 12:44PM UTC
All of your points are very valid and I can imagine how frustrating that might be. Reaching out for help here means you are on the right path! If you don't already know it, Goggle "victim vs. victor mindset". There are hundreds of inspirational posters on this with words that clue you in on what you can really do to turn this around. You can´t change what´s not in your control. You can´t give your boss more time, or better leadership skills. But you can change your mindset, and that will be enough!
Remember, you were hired to help them (your company, your department, your boss). Reflect on what that need was and how you could help with the information and tools you have today. Sometimes your manager just needs for you to get online and figure out how to address a problem. Do the research, skill yourself up, propose solutions, not more problems. Showing proactiveness, and can-do attitude is the first thing I look for in a team. You got this!!
PS: Stop comparing yourself to anyone. You got the job, now show them what you can bring to the table. Other people's skills should bring you value, not jealousy. If your teammate is better at something, ask for help. That will will bring him/her up and when your colleagues go up, so do you!
You are a Victor, not a Victim!
Liz MilneMay 22,2023 at 1:00AM UTC
Call out your colleague (politely - 'yes, Darleen, you've had prior experience with the software, I'm learning if from scratch') next time she does that. Bigging herself up at your cost is NOT adding value to the company: what would be is helping you learn the system, especially given your manager's busy-ness...
That way, both of you can work together to gain your manager's trust and (hopefully) gratitude...