Role changed, I don’t like what it’s become

Question

Months ago my marketing team got migrated into a larger team and we began process of assimilating. During this process I’ve been given some cool “special projects” by my new boss. Now as move forward she has identified a need on her team and wants me to lead content development but with minimal team members and almost in a spreadsheet fashion. I feel in many respects this role is a step back and it does not excite me at all...do I tell my boss that I’m willing to help but I’m concerned about my overall happiness long term, tell her I’m not interested before she builds the team structure around me or say nothing at all? If I say nothing, I think I will end up leaving ASAP. I’m networking within the company and applying externally sparingly. I want to stay within the company but I want to be challenged and move forward. I also don’t want to harm my relationship with my boss...how would you approach as we move into 2020 planning? I’m very conflicted.

Anonymous · Answer

If you feel as strongly certain as you say you do about the role being the wrong fit and causing you unhappiness, I think you have to say something. Particularly if you enjoy your relationship with your new boss and think that they are someone you want to maintain a relationship with in the future (regardless of whether you stay at the company). It seems to me that you are being very reasonable in knowing yourself and being willing to chip in and be a 'team player' for some period of time but not wanting to do it for too long. If I put myself in your manager's shoes, I would wholly expect that after a reorganization some people would not be happy with the long term changes and that there may be attrition or complaints about it. So I would speak up and think about the best way and time to communicate to them.

Shandon Hayes · Answer

As a people manager, I highly recommend you have a constructive conversation with your boss.  I often see employees get assigned work that they're really good but hate doing (and have been guilty of this myself!) and it's simply because their manager doesn't know that they hate it.  If you don't tell your boss, you can't make it better.

This all being said, don't just walk into the conversation and say 'I hate this' without any potential solutions to the problem.  Like @MHSharron.Coach guided, have some clarity around what your ideal role looks like.  If you're at a loss for this, be open with your boss about that and let them know that you really want to partner to make it better!  They could have some ideas or you can loop in HR/other resources to help.

Either way, you have nothing to lose.  If for some reason it doesn't go well, you're already looking for another job anyway.  BUT there's a good chance it could go well and  you can land an even better opportunity within your very own team!!

MHSharron.Coach · Answer

In your post you shared that should you decide to say nothing to your boss you would considering leaving your role - but sounds like you may be interested in possibly staying with the organization since you are networking internally?  If I am getting that right, I would recommend not saying anything to your boss until you have more clarity around what you'd like to happen next in your career.   It is possible your ideal job is within your current business unit - if you created it?  You are clearly an asset to her team and create value - is there a way to get clear on what you want, share that vision with her and enroll her in supporting you? In today's job market you are in control - and relationships can be key in paving your future path.  Good luck!!

Alwaysforward11 · Answer

Update- I laid it all out on the table. My boss was really receptive and 4 days later came back with another project that was more aligned with my interests to keep me busy as we figure out how to make this a reality longer term. She was really grateful for my transparency and for sharing as they go into 2020 planning. Not career suicide yet :)

Jennifer Swayne Njuguna · Answer

I'd recommend having a conversation with your boss. I'd recommend sharing that you really like the company, you are excited about opportunities to grow, and you appreciate her considering you for this new opportunity. However, based on what you understand about the work, it feels to you like it may not utilize your full skillset and does not reflect your interest as much as you were hoping. Approach from a place of curiosity and then see what she has to say.  Share some of your ideas about what you would like to do/how.

Helen Hanison · Answer

I agree with those who are encouraging you to have a candid conversation with the immediate boss.  For me, this is best done with compassionate directness and clarity.  She has spotted a competency in you that matches a business need. That's all.  It's a neat solution - except that your strength doesn't have overlap with your career aspirations for stretch and growth.  Simply help her understand that as you've considered the opportunity being laid out, this has become clear to you.

I think you're spot on when you say now is the time to have this conversation.  Having been where she is, working to curate a team from various moving parts (post-acquisition), it's not easy to do when you don't have history with the people populating the new look team.  Do be ready to say out loud what role you'd love to have.  Literally have a proposal for the new look role, and the structure around you.  She may not take it all on, and of course you realise you can't control that but who knows, you might just influence what happens next. And what's to lose if you know the alternative if you keep all this secret is that you look to leave somewhere that actually values you and would wish to know.

What if you get what you ask for? How would that feel?

Anonymous · Answer

I would be honest with her! There's no way she's going to know how this new role makes you feel if you don't tell her :) Being transparent with the people you work with is super important!

Role changed, I don’t like what it’s become

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