Gatekeeping at a new job, what do I do?

Anonymous

June 10,2023 at 9:57PM UTC

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Gatekeeping at a new job, what do I do? I just started a new job as VP at a small but quickly growing organization. I was told that I would be training under a more senior person for a period of time and then eventually transitioning to my management. This person is a highly-paid contractor. Over the first few weeks, I've come to realize that they are gatekeeping and not including me in everything. They are also not open to my input and are trying to firmly cement their power base, even though they are supposed to be leaving or transitioning away from this role soon. I have a meeting soon to provide strategic recommendations to management but am concerned about being truthful about the situation since I believe they are a trusted resource. How should I handle? My sense is that people that are not perceived as strong don't last long at this place.

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Erin AskewJune 11,2023 at 2:38AM UTC
The solution is your new manager. Meet with them, let them know that x consultant's training was exceptional, and that with your solid experience and the internal process information you learned, that you're ready to take on your full role and are looking for guidance and transitioning said consultant to a less ...managerial role.
How that conversation goes should tell you if they're willing to empower you or are backing the consultant. Power 101, but you've totally got this!
AnonymousJune 12,2023 at 5:47PM UTC
I think you share the truth in an impersonal non-blaming way. Let them know why you chose them and that your expectations for a long tenure there still exist but some concerns about the onboarding process have come up. Let them know what you think you might be getting left out of and how you could quickly come up to speed if you had someone else involved in the mix to get you there. I assume the person leaving might have wanted the role or perhaps wants to cement their legacy before leaving so that they can use that for their next contract. I would hold your ground there and not address that person directly instead focus on the people who will remain once they leave.
AnonymousJune 13,2023 at 12:38PM UTC
What is gatekeeping?
Shelly EdwardsJune 13,2023 at 12:58PM UTC
I would be honest in that you are ready to take on the role and start discussing transitioning the trainer out. Come at it from a financial perspective and business need perspective. They hired you for the role in order to transition out the contractor position. It’s time to begin that transition for business continuity and budgetary needs. Keep it simple and direct.
Kristie WhiteJune 14,2023 at 1:38PM UTC
Take control, don’t whine. You are the VP. Start setting your own agenda and executing your vision for the role. Don’t ask permission. You don’t need permission to do the job you were hired for.
AnonymousJune 14,2023 at 6:25PM UTC
I agree. You are in control. Don’t let a contractor intimidate you.
AnonymousJune 15,2023 at 12:55PM UTC
If my VP were this unsure I would want a different VP. Just saying.
AyianJune 15,2023 at 8:59PM UTC
The contractor is aware that they are being removed. Their feelings about that or desire to continue work anyway is not relevant. For as much as it is feasible, shadow them all day long, every day, all week long, until you have learned all the things they do. Make a list and when you've done everything you think they do, ask if there is anything else.