Is there a way to be moved to a manager who you really want to work for?

Anonymous

April 29,2023 at 12:24AM UTC

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.

Is there a way to be moved to a manager who you really want to work for?

I report to one manager on paper but support three others throughout my workday. There is a particular director I love working for-- we work together very well and I'm able to understand what they need quickly and provide products they are happy with. This person often requests that I take on larger, more interesting projects for them, while the other two are ok but really not interested in what I can do for them. My real manager is sort of distant and most likely not very invested in my long-term success (they're acting).

Is it ever good form in the corporate world to actually tell a higher-up that you want to be moved to their team and work for them? I'm sure many if not most of us here accepted jobs because we liked ad respected who we would be working for. I think I would be very happy working for this person. There may be a role they oversee coming up over the next year. At this point, I think I'd be mostly qualified for it but there's a good chance someone else with more experience and political clout may get it.

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

4 comments

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.

4 Comments

Join the conversation

AnonymousApril 29,2023 at 3:18PM UTC
Here’s my two cents…it can’t hurt to ask. As long as you do it in a professional way and don’t bad mouth the other managers, I don’t see any reason why you can’t approach the manager that you want to work for and say “I would like to explore opportunities within your organization”. Tell them that you really appreciate that they have allowed you to take on bigger responsibilities and that you would like to do even more. In my experience most managers would love to hire someone that they know will work hard. If you talk to them and they don’t think you would be a good fit for the upcoming role, ask them if you can take on additional tasks so that you can grow towards that role in the future. Good luck!
Alexis GladstoneApril 30,2023 at 2:13PM UTC
While all companies vary with their politics, in general I would say it won't hurt to try.
The way I would approach it is ask this Director if they would be willing to sit down with you and have a discussion about your career growth and development. Let them know how you appreciate the trust they put in you and you would love to know what they see in you that has them giving you the stretch projcts. Ask them how you can get even more of that experience with them. Be sure not to say anything negative about your direct manager or the others you support.
If they won't or can't take you on directly as a report, ask them to be your mentor. Then you will at least have time with them outside your projects.
Karen BurkeMay 2,2023 at 2:08PM UTC
This isn't uncommon at my company, so it's definitely possible. That said, it depends on the company, so like others have said, start with a career discussion and go from there.
Liz MilneMay 3,2023 at 5:20AM UTC
Certainly mention it in conversation, if you can do so casually, then if they're interested, you can express a firmer interest. If they shoot you down (Ah, OP, I wish I could take you on, but my team is full - or something similar) then at least you know you're staying put for a bit longer - but you've still expressed your interest if someone leaves?