On my first day

Anonymous

November 18,2022 at 7:33PM UTC

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On my first day

On my first day, my supervisor told me not to expect him to teach me anything because I am in a Senior Director role and I have to figure things out by myself.

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AnonymousNovember 18,2022 at 7:53PM UTC
That is a big red flag. If they have a role they need to fill they also need to provide requirements and tools to achieve the goals of your role. You need to know the grounds you are on and the options you have available before you can take the senior lead and direct your department on a successful path. Employers that do not provide at least a basic training for any position are just setting themselves, and you, up for failure.
AYANNALYSENovember 18,2022 at 8:40PM UTC
Perhaps what he is trying to say is that she needs to be more independent and assertive in her role there's a million ways to figure out the solution to a problem why should she rely on her supervisor for answers isn't that her role already ?
Senior Director ...
AnonymousNovember 18,2022 at 8:49PM UTC
This is why so many companies are struggling. Many don't have the learning and development infrastructure needed to support a vibrant workplace. OR they have too many people at the top with a "sink or swim" mentality.
If you don't mind me asking, does your company have any mentoring programs or learning groups? Are there ways that you could get the support you may need outside of your direct supervisor relationship. I agree it's a red flag. Even senior or executive level people need onboarding. In some ways it's also an opportunity for you to build you own self-directed learning path. Think of these first 90 days as part-research. Observe, immerse yourself in the environment, read as many sops or organizational history documents as you can.
AnonymousNovember 18,2022 at 9:13PM UTC
....and welcome to the company's culture.
Wow feels a bit extreme.
AnonymousNovember 18,2022 at 9:21PM UTC
Was this the vibe during the interview phase?!? Omg. Bait and switch. Maybe you were not this person's first choice but still not a cool "leader" move at all!
Good luck and you can shine despite this person.
AnonymousNovember 18,2022 at 9:57PM UTC
Although discouraging it’s Gods way of telling you to watch your back with this jackhole. Continue to build strong relations with others and continue to shine
KateNovember 18,2022 at 10:31PM UTC
wow. Jealous is he?
Karen MullinNovember 19,2022 at 12:44PM UTC
Ouch. Very sorry for your predicament. My only suggestion is to develop relationships with your peers and subordinates that are supportive and collaborative. Rational people understand that there is a learning curve in any new role, regardless of the level. If the entire culture leans in your boss' direction, then take your Sr. Director title and start looking for another company, even if you needed to take a Director level position in a healthy environment it would be better than staying somewhere where you are being set up for failure. Best of luck to you.
AnonymousNovember 21,2022 at 5:22PM UTC
Lack of rationality. Unsupportive culture. Being set up to fail. A recipe for disaster. Well, at 'that' place of business, anyway. Better luck elsewhere!
Martha YoungbloodNovember 20,2022 at 6:11PM UTC
Your supervisor sounds like a jerk.
Martha YoungbloodNovember 20,2022 at 6:13PM UTC
Also, when he complains (& he probably will) that you're not doing something "right", I think I'd remind him that he's the one who said for you to figure it out on your own.
AnonymousNovember 20,2022 at 8:04PM UTC
Wow. If you haven't given up already, I hope you are asking for a detailed job description, samples of previous work products within the job description from former people who held that position, a copy of the employee handbook, the strategic plan, and have a list of the board of directors and CEO with contact information.
AnonymousNovember 21,2022 at 7:07AM UTC
? WOW totally messed up!!
I experienced the same however I was hourly, and my boss told me you know administrative tasks and typing...dig in....had not seen him the rest of the day
AnonymousNovember 21,2022 at 7:12AM UTC
I would find a colleague who might have some insight or an opinion maybe of office operations..
àlso lead how you think it should be done and keep to yourself...you assertive good luck
Kristine RyanNovember 21,2022 at 1:25PM UTC
First off, write EVERYTHING down. Heck, summarize your conversation in an email to him. I do that after every one-on-one with supervisors, to make sure I've got what we discussed correct and identify any deliverable expectations that were identified. You could somehow summarize, in a "positive" light, that he instructed you to navigate the role and you'll check back with him during your next one-on-one ("oh, and what did you want to schedule that?")
That is a prime example of the OPPOSITE of leadership. Perhaps someday you'll have HIS job!
AnonymousNovember 21,2022 at 6:12PM UTC
Thanks, Kristine for your advice.
Kristine Murtz RyanNovember 22,2022 at 12:10PM UTC
My pleasure!
Arlene Frances Gottardo (Bryak)November 21,2022 at 1:46PM UTC
Funny, haha… Very rude!
Turn this around , SMILE & inform this person WHY you believe you were chosen to assume this position. Try not to take a defensive role, if you can, in my opinion.
Tricia BurroughsNovember 21,2022 at 4:55PM UTC
This person hired you? Wow, great Emotional Intelligence this person does not have.
Try not to take it personally, try to take it as they don't have time to teach you everything and reach down to your team and peers to get the lay of the land. Good Luck!
Clydene HorriganNovember 21,2022 at 5:43PM UTC
I’d suggest building your network. Set up meet & greet sessions with your team, your peers, and people across the company. Go to these meetings with three specific things you want to learn from that person.
AnonymousNovember 21,2022 at 6:11PM UTC
Very RUDE of you to believe so. Not a Reddit post that I copied and pasted. I applied for the role online and went through the entire interview process, which included four-plus interviews and a task assignment. When I applied and interviewed for the position, they were a community partner for a previous role that I had held. My manager was not fully involved in the hiring process; not sure why. He was super supportive during my onboarding process before my start date, and on my first day, completely 180'd on me. I have been at the org for almost nine months, have dealt with his BS for months, and have not reported him due to fear of retaliation. I take care of my mom and myself financially and am the sole provider of my house hold. Times are tough, and this job market has not been the easiest to navigate. I have been on the job hunt since my first day.
Kimberly GrahamNovember 28,2022 at 7:01PM UTC
I agree with one of the previous comments above your supervisor missing Emotional Intelligence; however, if they hired you for your experience then you may have an amazing opportunity to run with it and make it your own. Good luck!