My direct boss quit several months ago and their position has not been filled.

Anonymous

March 28,2023 at 12:27PM UTC

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My direct boss quit several months ago and their position has not been filled. On paper, I now report to one of our VPs, but they are stretched very thin with many duties and areas of oversight, and do not have time to check in or provide feedback.

Several of my duties require this person to sign off/give final approval before they can be implemented or moved to the next step, but I’m hearing crickets. Even when I put project due dates as a meeting on our shared calendar and invite this person, it goes ignored. This person tells me I’m doing “amazing things” but does not provide any real feedback or project approval when needed.

The only solace I’ve gotten is a promise that “We’ll get some support for your department “ but no action. I am a “department” of one, so I don’t have other peers to collaborate with.

I often feel like I’m working hard for no reason. This person’s direct boss, our CEO, is also their parent, and it’s a family run company, so going up the chain doesn’t feel like it would help much. I like my job and believe in the company, but it feels like it’s time to seek something more collaborative where my contributions are noticed.

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AnonymousMarch 28,2023 at 8:14PM UTC
Have you proposed being promoted or a plan to be moved up as interim leader of this division?
That's only if you want the role, of course.
Perhaps you can help revitalize the division and rebuild the team with the right resources to support the workload. You have the most knowledge in how things go down and since they say "you do amazing things" --- shoot your shot.
Since your leadership is pressed for time and I read "somewhere that leaders don't want to hear about your problems; give them solutions." So, propose this as a potential solution, write your proposal and make time to present how this could improve business productivity = revenue. Because it sounds like you deserve a raise and more support!
Now, if this proposal isn't received, then I think you have your answer in how you should move. Do not assume verbal agreements means they'll "do" something about it. Until it's in writing and actionable steps are being taken place, then its really hard to trust things will change. You also should not have to sacrifice your wellbeing to keep things a float; that's not fair to you.
I know the job market is stiff these days but it should not discourage you from weighing your options. You deserve more support, not just the kudos!
Good luck to you on whatever you decide!
Kristen SteinerApril 1,2023 at 7:07PM UTC
Good advice!
Farah BajwaApril 3,2023 at 4:59PM UTC
I had a situation where my manager left a week after I started. It was a small family business where he reported to the VP. And the VP was traveling internationally to our Ireland office. Once I ran out of looking for things to do, I proposed that I step in as acting manager while they looked to hire a more seasoned individual. I was surprised they pitched a counter proposal to put me as the manager for 6 months and if we felt it was working, I'd be formally promoted with pay increase. 6 months later, they liked how i ran things and I liked the role I made for myself so we made it official.
Kathryn MontbriandApril 6,2023 at 4:35PM UTC
If this person is feeling overwhelmed, it might help to build a low-touch engagement model that gets you what you need.
For example - if they struggle to stay on top of email, maybe you do a 15 minute in-person meeting (or zoom meeting) once a week to sign off on any important documents.
Or if they can't keep track of due dates, send a weekly (or daily if needed) note with anything urgent highlighted in red at the top.
The easier it is for them to engage and know what they absolutely must do, the more likely you are to get what you need from them and feel less frustrated.
With any of these, have a quick convo first and say 'hey can we try XX in the future, here's what it would look like and what you would need to do. we can check in YY weeks later and tweak the process if needed'.
AnonymousApril 9,2023 at 4:42PM UTC
Well as an alternative you can ask to be promoted to the place where your old manager left the empty chair. As a result of that perhaps you can also negotiate within that realm to remove the signature authority for the things that are frustrating you now. Or in another move you could send them an email gently listing what you did above and letting them know that since you know how busy they are you are going to once per week give them a list of the things that need their approval or simply approve them yourself and then report on what you did in a spreadsheet clearly informing them. Step into the bigger role to me seems like the right move then you can ask for forgiveness vs permission to do your job. Good luck.