I have been at the job almost 8 months and now both of my managers are off work next week and the person that is taking over (who is very close with my bosses) wants to do a meeting each morning for the whole week they are gone to go over what I plan to do for the day and how I should prioritize my tasks.

16 Comments

1. AnonymousAugust 2,2024 at 11:27AM UTC

   Unfortunately we are all remote workers and it was over email so you can't really pick up tone. My main boss is very nice and jokey but will call you up on stuff if needed (for example this needs to be the absolutely priority or when someone else tried to get me to prioritise their task he went I am your boss you do what I say first and for most). I have not had any reviews except the one month "how you finding it" conversation

2. AnonymousAugust 2,2024 at 12:25PM UTC

   If this is a change from your usual interactions, the odds are good that the person "taking over" for the week is not a skilled manager...and they think this approach is "what managers do." Be cooperative and excellent. If the pattern persists, after your managers return, consider other options for adjustment if the approach is overbearing or interfering. In some lines of work and with some staff, a short daily meeting is very helpful. In others, it is superfluous.

3. AnonymousAugust 2,2024 at 12:25PM UTC

   No, they just want to make sure you're on track.

4. AnonymousAugust 2,2024 at 12:29PM UTC

   It could just be that the person covering while your managers are out feels that this is the best way to keep a handle on what's going on. I wouldn't read too much into it yet, but keep track of how the meetings go, especially the first one.

   If you're prepared ahead of time with a bulletpoint summary of things you're doing and how you have prioritized them (and why, in case you're asked), that will help display that you're organized and putting thought into your workload. And be ready to accept a reorganization of those priorities, within reason.

   Please follow up to let us know how the first one goes! :)

5. AnonymousAugust 5,2024 at 12:46PM UTC

   As an update to my post: she never showed up for the meeting today and no-one has heard from her all day. Everyone is a bit concerned since she hasn't answered texts or calls either

6. AnonymousAugust 2,2024 at 12:57PM UTC

   This person may not think you organize your time well and will be using this time to teach you time management skills and effective organizational process. It's only a week so try to approach it like training.

7. AnonymousAugust 2,2024 at 1:22PM UTC

   For a week? Don't see a concern.

8. AnonymousAugust 2,2024 at 1:33PM UTC

   I do not think you should be concerned. That only indicates that your boss replacement does not know what to do.

   just be aware an careful that the replacement do not do anything stupid. You are the person who has been more in contact with you original boss. Therefore, you have more experience in the job.

   good luck.

9. AnonymousAugust 2,2024 at 2:04PM UTC

   Doesn't seem like an issue. Just someone making sure everyone's on track. Sounds like a standard short "stand up" meeting. Prepare brief statements about what you completed yesterday, what you're doing today, and if you're blocked and need help. ---also, perhaps your colleague will have prompts. (This colleague may need to prove that they were available to you and the work gets done too).

10. AnonymousAugust 2,2024 at 2:51PM UTC

    No. I think it has more to do with this person and the responsibility than it does you. This person may feel a bit overwhelmed and wants to make sure s/he is handling things well while the managers are away. Just go with it. If you show initiative and quality in your daily check-ins, this person will be providing that to your managers when they return. So, take advantage of it!

11. AnonymousAugust 2,2024 at 3:17PM UTC

    I echo the posts “..don’t read too much into …” and “..come prepared with bullets of what you are assigned to work & short term what you are presently working, help needed etc.”

    at first look this is a typical practice for lead roles to do.. and it seems short term .. like someone else posted.. “use the opportunity to show your skills, come prepared..”

    I also don’t think it means they don’t know what they’re doing or aren’t necc skilled, or that they are fearful and need to micromanage…They’re just a person being asked to step in while management is out. Focus on you!!! And just try to show your best self in this situation!!! Good luck!!!

12. RobinAugust 2,2024 at 4:25PM UTC

    First thing I thought of as well. Power trip and micromanaging. One has to act as if they aren’t bothered by the micromanager. It’s just a week. Stay relaxed and focus on your tasks.

13. OLIVIA JOHNSONAugust 3,2024 at 4:16AM UTC

    Hi there! This is awesome advice Tahlora. Proactivity is key. And worst case scenario, it is only for 1 week, so be sure to be prepared for each call.

14. AnonymousAugust 4,2024 at 12:35PM UTC

    She’s covering her a** in case something goes awry on her watch. Nothing to do with you. Just agree and help her out—she’ll likely remember that! (The daily level-set may prove useful to you too.)

15. Mayumi FlorekAugust 4,2024 at 1:11PM UTC

    That sounds great; welcome the idea. Meeting doesn't have to take an hour or even 30 minutes. It can be 5-10 minutes to share what you've got going that day. You and this person can do a "coffee clutch" together quickly each morning. Share your to-do's concerns and accomplishments. You'' come to enjoy it.

16. AnonymousAugust 4,2024 at 2:14PM UTC

    Sounds like.a pro! She’s not going to let things slide while the other managers are away which supports you and them. I’d definitely welcome any interaction with some of her caliber