So, I work for three very controlling and erratic bosses.

Anonymous

June 6,2023 at 3:58PM UTC

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So, I work for three very controlling and erratic bosses. Everyone is always on guard for what will happen to me next, very chaotic. I have an opportunity to potentially switch departments but I know if I go down this road, they will sabotage me. My friend who is trying to steal me wants me to give a presentation for her department so that her boss can see my skills before I apply. Problem is, how do I tell my manager or do I just do it and beg forgiveness. She will be angry when she finds out but if I ask she’ll likely say no..

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AnonymousJune 6,2023 at 6:57PM UTC
It's your career and your life. So I would wait until I have the offer and let her know you've applied. If she sabotages your efforts you can try dealing with those efforts with HR. It's a balancing act but I don’t see her allowing you advancement opportunities.
AnonymousJune 6,2023 at 7:59PM UTC
Can you make this presentation without informing your boss? At my previous job, I was deeply unhappy and applied for (and interviewed) with two other departments. The first one (many months ago) was done on the down-low (the other department heads understood) but I didn't proceed after the first interview as I wasn't interested. Later, I applied for another position when tensions were high with my supervisor/coworkers. I told my boss after my interview with this other department as I knew they'd want feedback from my team. I didn't get the position (and left the company shortly thereafter).
Afo Ogbeyalu KaluJune 7,2023 at 12:45PM UTC
As the presentation is within the same organization, and companies typically encourage cross-department collaboration, I advise that you prepare the presentation, and alert your manager in an email of your intentions once it is clear that the presentation would not conflict with whatever your roles and responsibilities are to your assigned department. You may even add in the email how "the exposure" benefits your manager/department. Blind cc your Manager's Director, the colleague that is attempting to poach you, and HR.
AnonymousJune 7,2023 at 1:25PM UTC
I say give her a respectful heads up but don't ask. She doesn't have a say in this decision. A heads up is a very respectful and transparent way to approach this. Her reaction is on her and will not bode well for her if she lashes out. I worry that without the heads up, she'll have a negative reaction anyway but it might get the perception from others that it is somewhat justified since she was blindsighted. I understand what the other commenter is saying, however, if the hiring manager for the other department wants you already I would imagine she can't do anything to sabotage the move. Unless you're under some sort of contract she cannot make you stay in her department and it's the hiring manager and HRs decision to let you apply and select you.
Rebecca MillikenJune 8,2023 at 1:03PM UTC
I would TELL not ask. Tell her you are going to do a presentation for this other department. It's your career. When you ask people things that they really don't have control over, they start to think they have the right. It's the same company, yes? Most places I've worked, even if your boss doesn't want you to go, they can't keep you. I'm not sure how she can sabotage you if your presentation goes well. If you see what she's like, others, including other managers, probably do as well.
AnonymousJune 10,2023 at 4:35PM UTC
No manager should control your actions 100% let her know you are doing this, don't ask for permission and if you get pushback remind her that you need to do things for your career trajectory and that it doesn't mean you're sabotaging her. It's about you, not her.
AnonymousJune 10,2023 at 5:59PM UTC
Doing presentations for other departments is a totally normal thing to do at work.
Ellen Smith FaganJune 11,2023 at 7:23PM UTC
You are bragging - not complaining :-)
To be in demand as you state; to be competed for - you must be a pretty great worker!
And you are lying about controlling bosses. This is America, and unless you are waiting to graduate high school, it is not possible or legal for a boss to be controlling.
THINK Plan , develop, follow through.
And you cannot control your bosses either, so no matter what initiative you take there will always be the chance they won't respond well and so, THINK plan develop your options if that happens IN ADVANCE of taking any provocative initiative.
LIFE ABOVE ALL - if this job fails you will want cash to uphold you until a new job and you connect and get busy. MONEY - it always comes to that.
But do not say your bosses are controlling because it is YOUR fault if they get controlling and you let it go on. If your company have monthly team meetings, this topic is GREAT one to request to have addressed.
AnonymousJune 12,2023 at 12:25PM UTC
I'm not sure what rock you live under...but I live in America and if you follow the many stories on this platform you would not call someone a liar. Especially when you are not in their position. There are very controlling bosses and often times it is due to ego...you must not work in a corporate environment. Then you have the nerve to tell the OP what not to post. That is the OPs experience. I honestly I think this post went over your head because your comment went totally left.
AnonymousJune 12,2023 at 2:47PM UTC
You are condescending, rude, blame-shifting and delusional, not helpful.
Where on earth do you live, and in what career do you work where this is a reality:
"it is not possible or legal for a boss to be controlling".
Workplace harassment and bullying is rampant in American culture, rarely the "fault" of the employees, more often the "fault" of crap management systems.