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Anonymous

January 4,2023 at 4:20PM UTC

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Hello. I was wondering if I could get some advive. I have been in a new role with someone I worked with and was friends with in a past position for two years, first as a contractor and now full time. They have hired quite a large group of staff above my role over the past year and mrole has been reduced substantially. I have not been personally introduced, nor spoken to any of the new hires that I would be reporting to in over 4 months. All of the direction I get is via email and I have very little contact with my team at all--so its very isolating. I've asked my Director for 6 months about stucture, my role and the impact of the changes as Ive seen them unfolding, with no answers. The pattern I'm seeing clearly shows that they are preparing to lay me off. I've set up a meeting to discuss with her again, but I'm not sure how to pose my questions or what to ask? Should I be direct and straightforward or try to ask in a non-confrontational ad less direct manner? Any advice you give would be sincerely appreciated!

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AnonymousJanuary 4,2023 at 4:42PM UTC
Set up a meeting with your friend that hired you. Start off with how you want this opportunity to be a win/win for both of you. Ask them how can I best help your company move forward?
AnonymousJanuary 4,2023 at 5:46PM UTC
Thanks so much for the feedback. She is the one I've set up a meeting with but she keeps avoiding me. She said yes to the meeting, but so far in our past discussions, she fills up the time talking personally, avoiding the real topic. I'm disappointed in her and struggling to find a positive approach...
AnonymousJanuary 4,2023 at 6:59PM UTC
It may be time for you to control the narrative here if it hasn't worked before.
After a few minutes of niceties at the start of the call, try "I'm so glad you were able to disconnect for the holiday (or whatever works). I'd like to revisit my question about my role in the light of recent changes. Can we discuss how the expectations for my current role may have shifted with all of the recent hiring activity?" If she doesn't answer directly, be calm and kind while redirecting. "I appreciate your thoughts on _____ and that additional insight. How does that impact _____?" If she still keeps dodging, it's not inappropriate to ask if she's not at liberty to discuss this with you and ask who would be the best person for you to talk with.
AnonymousJanuary 4,2023 at 7:04PM UTC
Before she opens her mouth ask a very clear succinct question. Don't get off track.
AnonymousJanuary 4,2023 at 5:58PM UTC
I would be direct since leadership is not communicating with you and you feel you are going to be laid off soon.
In the meantime, update your resume and LinkedIn profile. Get a jump on lining up interviews so you are not waiting for this current company to spring something on you at the 11th hour.
AnonymousJanuary 4,2023 at 7:32PM UTC
Thanks so much for jumping in with this feedback - I've been going back and forth on whether to be direct and you've really helped put it in better perspective for me!
I've updated my resume and gotten a jump on lining up interviews, because in my gut, I know what's coming. Even if I'm wrong, their style of management just doesn't align with my core values and I know in the end, I just won't be happy there. Thanks again for the advice!!
Kimberly GrahamJanuary 6,2023 at 6:44PM UTC
I agree!
AnonymousJanuary 4,2023 at 6:37PM UTC
It happened to me and my work place became very toxic in the past few month. my suggestion is to try changing your work because it seems like your effort is not appreciated.
AnonymousJanuary 4,2023 at 7:17PM UTC
Thanks so much for taking the time to contribute, I appreciate the advice and I'm sorry to hear you had to go through this too -- I sincerely hope you've landed in a better place now. I'll definitely be jumping back out there and looking for new opportunities.
AnonymousJanuary 7,2023 at 9:59PM UTC
Hey everyone--just wanted to follow up and thank you all for your insights--it really helped. me present myself and lead with thoughtful questions instead of emotion. The conversation was friendly, but direct. Although she told me I have nothing to be concerned about, she still could not define my role, who I'll report to, why the lack of communication or how the team will be functioning. She mentioned that business is bad and spoke about problems with other colleagues' to fill the time blocked. I'm thinking my gut was on target and maybe new opportunities are in order!