Former boss demoted for good reason, obviously unhappy

Anonymous

October 26,2022 at 2:34PM UTC

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Former boss demoted for good reason, obviously unhappy

The manager who hired almost everyone on our team over the past several months was just demoted and is now on the same level as the people he hired. Well, he's obviously unhappy and looking to prove himself again. I'm the one person on our team who has to interact with him on a daily basis due to being on the same projects. He hired me and I think we have a good rapport, but the situation is very uncomfortable and I don't trust him. Should I ask to be moved to another division? It can happen over the next few months? I think this can get very ugly politically and I need to get away from him.

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AnonymousOctober 26,2022 at 3:00PM UTC
Sure, why not?
AnonymousOctober 26,2022 at 3:39PM UTC
Yes, absolutely change it sounds like a toxic environment.
KarenOctober 26,2022 at 3:53PM UTC
That is an awkward situation. Questions to ask - was he demoted to be given another chance to earn his prior title back? If so, then you might want to wait it out. You stated you have a good rapport with him. Sometimes jumping too soon doesn't work out. If you move to another division, will you still interact with him? will you asking to move be seen in a negative way by your company (i.e. not being a team player)? Why do you not trust him? If it's because of his history, then you may want to ask to move and provide hard proof of why that would be in everyone's best interest.
AnonymousOctober 26,2022 at 7:01PM UTC
Has he given you reason to not trust him? Do you know why he was demoted? I would not let his demotion or current work status affect your work and your job. I could see why it's uncomfortable, but you need to focus on the here and now. Keep doing your work the same as you do with any other coworker. His issues are just that - his issues. Focus on your work and let him work on his own issues.
AnonymousOctober 26,2022 at 8:08PM UTC
1) Is it that you don't trust him bc you feel he is undermining the current boss and is trying to use you in the process to participate in the negativity.
2) Or is it moreso his reputation has been tarnished and you just don't want the association?
*If its #1, keep things as neutral as possible, if he tries to get you to send an email or influence you to communicate in a way that may result in conflict, you do not have to participate. If you feel he is still behaving toxic, then yes go to the new boss and ask if you can be reassigned to work with other people, you don't have to be messy about it, you can just simply state that you are concerned that you are concerned that you are having trouble reaching an agreement on certain tasks with the guy, and either being reassigned or if the new mgr is willing to weigh in occasionally would be a tremendous help. Stay in control and do not rise to the occasion of conflict. This person is shattered and could be looking for an axe to grind. Don't be that axe or dont become the object getting swallowed into his black hole.
AnonymousOctober 27,2022 at 3:12PM UTC
OP here. Yes, it's #1. I've heard him say things that sound confrontational and whiny, so there is an axe to grind there, unfortunately. I think management is well aware of the situation but they're probably waiting for him to mess up, and I certainly do not want to be a part of it.
AnonymousOctober 28,2022 at 1:32AM UTC
I hear ya. What has worked for me in the past is the good ole convo pivot. Everytime he talks about the newbie boss, pivot it to something positive like asking about something he loves unconditionally like his wife kids or pet or a sport you know he follows. When he tries to do the opposite of what was asked for an assignment, have a mini 1 on 1 with the new boss and explain the disagreement in that you would like the boss to weigh in to ensure alignment with expectations, that way it takes you out of the equation and he will soon realize you are 10 steps ahead of his antics. Stay positive and it will work out to your advantage. Good luck
AnonymousOctober 27,2022 at 3:17PM UTC
OP here. Thanks for all of the feedback. My instincts are pointing to this being a situation to get away from. I'd like to see how things play out over the next few months. This person has an ally who has a lot of power and would probably be willing to push around others including me to help out a friend. I may look at other opportunities in a different division. In a few months I'll have invested a good amount of time in some projects and my supervisor may be open and wiling to transfer me to a new spot.
GirlBossanova934974October 29,2022 at 1:13PM UTC
Despite the constant media drumbeat of recession around every corner, the overall job market is still very healthy. If I had been demoted from my management role and felt I had been shortchanged, I would be looking to find another management job right away with zero hesitation. Ergo, I think this "problem" will probably go away on its own if the former manager in question evaluates the situation correctly. The world right now is full of companies who are having a lot of second thoughts about the promotions they gave out in the last 2-3 years. My phone has never been busier in the last decade with recruiters looking for "help".
AnonymousOctober 29,2022 at 6:43PM UTC
why do you think?
AnonymousOctober 29,2022 at 2:30PM UTC
I doubt anyone would be happy getting demoted but that's his" cross to bear".
Try establishing boundaries in as much and make you interactions strictly professional while maintaining that good rapport as long as the is an understanding that the job needs to get done whether he was the manager or an employee like you. If the situation has not improved and you feel like its not going to work out then apply to another division and hold on till it get approved but until the see how this play out.
AnonymousOctober 29,2022 at 4:19PM UTC
Did I miss it? Was the good reason he was demoted shared? I wonder how someone can come back from that. Most organizations, like people, have unending memories. And each memory is them shaded with feelings and lore.
Good luck to you. Hope you find your good, safe yet challenging position!
AnonymousOctober 30,2022 at 2:36AM UTC
MOVE AWAY FROM HIM!
Cockson68November 4,2022 at 10:09PM UTC
I suggest two potential options:
1) Approach him directly to establish mindset. He may welcome opportunity to share his point of view about situation and appreciate this. It can dilute or remove any venom towards you.
2) Request the move as you describe. However this may prove to him you contributed to demotion and cause unnecessary tension.
There is no easy solution.
Good luck.