DISCUSSIONS

Please help me understand this work situation.

Anonymous Image

Anonymous

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

Please help me understand this work situation.

I am assigned to work on some project "models" and come up with some solutions. My manager assigns these models to me. I'm doing fine, it takes me a bit of time to understand the different models but I get it eventually. Another woman joined the team. She has been with the company for many years but new to this team. She says she doesn't have enough time to review the models to my manager because of her other projects but she joined this team anyway for learning sake. So my manager lets her join the meetings and learn in meeting discussions but never assigns her any new models to her to because the woman keeps saying she doesn’t have time. My manager was out on vacation last week. So the woman and I met instead. I was told by my manager to review the models with her and we can discuss. I did it but this work is somewhat like I need my space to do my good work. This woman makes irrelevant comments and she doesn't quite learn what is going on in these different models. She said she wanted to meet next week if I am working on anything else she can see it. I said ok I will see. I told her I will just continue discussing about this model only as it is complex. I'm feeling uncomfortable with her request to discuss other models with her as it is my assigned work and I want to work on it myself and honestly if this woman has time to meet with me, then she has time to get an assignment from my manager. But she has been dodgey about getting assignments from my manager and my manager believes she is too busy but the woman let it slip to me that she isn't that busy. I feel something fishy here.

How can I bring up politely to my manager I don't want to discuss my assignments to this woman that much. I am happy to teach and show her but this woman seems too curious about my work. I think she should get her own assignments and think through her self at this point. How do I handle this situation?

Why women love us:

  • Daily articles on career topics
  • Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
  • Advice and support from an authentic community
  • Events that help you level up in your career
  • Free membership, always

Like

11 comments

Share

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

11 Comments

Join the conversation
  1. Debbie Cree

    I agree-wait. At some point they should ask if you have any planned time off, then tell them. Good luck!

  2. Anonymous

    I'm not sure what OP taking time off has to do with the question.

  3. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    If it makes you uncomfortable, just say no. Tell her you're too jammed up and don't have time.

  4. Anonymous

    If you're feeling protective of your work and that she might take over some of these projects then discuss this with your manager. Ask him if you can keep some projects to yourself.

    Make this more about you and less about her, her lack of commitment to the projects and availability. Make your manager know you feel vulnerable and would like to keep your work as your work.

  5. Anonymous

    It doesn't sound like there's a chance this coworker will be trusted with those job duties.

  6. Mary Pool

    This is a tricky one. You don't want to appear unwilling to be helpful; on the other hand, you don't want to have your time wasted or fall behind on your projects. When she wants to meet again, you can say, "XYZ is back from vacation. The arrangement was to meet with you only while they were gone. I've got a deadline for this project, and I need to stay focused." If your boss asks, you can say, "I just don't get the feeling she is really that engaged in this project." Or, perhaps, “This is not a good project for learning; it is too complex, and she needs an easier project to begin with.” If your boss insists, document, in writing, how much of a delay instructing her will push the project out. Be truthful, but err on the side of a longer delay than a shorter one.

  7. Anonymous

    I'm uncertain as to why you're feeling protective of your work? Do you feel like she's planning to claim credit for the work?

    If you feel that having extra meetings with her in your managers absence will stop you from completing your work in a timely manner, decline to set up further meetings. It doesn't sound like you've been asked to instruct her, just that she's being allowed to observe in order to learn, so it's completely reasonable to say, "I'm only working on this model right now" or "I don't have time for extra 1:1 right now".

    I would be careful about being protective of your work, however. Being part of a team often means learning from each other. Unless she's actively interfering with the work (and you didn't mention that she is), then what are your real concerns about her sitting in, or learning more about what you're doing?

  8. Anonymous

    By "this situation," do you mean the boss's vacation? Or that the boss gives you assignments and not her? She's obviously useless and your boss probably knows that. What exactly do you want your boss to DO? Or do you just want to talk about your feelings? If the latter, just don't. If you aren't getting other things done or if you want a raise, that is something to discuss, but you can't control the outcome even then.

  9. Anonymous

    I would when she returns have an honest conversation with your manager about the time you spend with this person taking away from your getting your work done. Let her know that your preference is to focus on your own work and could she find someone else to help this woman. Or suggest gently to give that woman a project now that you have met X number of times with her and see how it goes. End of story.

  10. Anonymous

    "Shadowing" is a completely normal part of transitioning to a new role, like she's doing. Also, If she has been at the company for a while, she might have different perspectives to share.

    for some reason, You are feeling protective of your work but that's on you not on her.

  11. Anonymous

    I relish opportunities like this to prove that I have training and leadership skills.
    Use experiences like this for examples to bring up during performance reviews and use it for career enhancement.

    She seems like she was not confident in her ability to do the work you are doing, but she seems willing to learn. I think she told the manager that so she wouldn’t be thrust into the deep end so quickly.

    Once you think she is up to speed encourage her to speak to the manager to be assigned one on her own. If she declines, I think you’ve done enough. I think she has confidence issues.

    Being seen as a team player and someone the manager can rely on to help things operate smoothly even while they are away from the office is not a bad thing. You look like an asset and promotion-worthy.

Browse recent posts

jljl3ph
Plan construction projects with the Concrete Calculator, a practical online tool for estimating material quantities, calculating concrete requirements, managing costs, and simplifying building work.
Hiii everyone!
I'm. Current looking for remote jobs
Your trusted partner for a cleaner, healthier home in Los Angeles, California. At Quick Clean Carpet Care, we've been providing top-notch carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, pet accident treatment, hard floor cleaning, rug cleaning, window cleaning, and house washing services for over 9 years. Our team of experts uses eco-friendly solutions and state-of-the-art equipment to leave your home sparkling clean and germ-free. From stain removal to deep cleaning, we've got you covered. Serving Los Angeles and surrounding areas, we're committed to delivering exceptional customer service and unparalleled results. Call us today to schedule your appointment and experience the Quick Clean difference!
Your trusted partner for a cleaner, healthier home in Los Angeles, California. At Quick Clean Carpet Care, we've been providing top-notch carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, pet accident treatment, hard floor cleaning, rug cleaning, window cleaning, and house washing services for over 9 years. Our team of experts uses eco-friendly solutions and state-of-the-art equipment to leave your home sparkling clean and germ-free. From stain removal to deep cleaning, we've got you covered. Serving Los Angeles and surrounding areas, we're committed to delivering exceptional customer service and unparalleled results. Call us today to schedule your appointment and experience the Quick Clean difference!
See more
Fairygodboss VIP
Achieve your career goals.
Be part of the largest online career community for women to find jobs, advice, and support — for free.
Fairygodboss members