DISCUSSIONS

Advice: Choosing a Team

Anonymous Image

Anonymous

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.

Advice: Choosing a Team

My department head found out I’ve been talking to another team and is upset, even though no position has been offered yet. I understand his frustration, as I wasn’t transparent.

The reasons I didn’t speak up earlier include: 1) the other team was supposed to handle the situation, 2) I never received a response from HR when I reached out, and 3) my manager was already burnt out after losing several team members last year.

The conversation felt odd—he wanted to know how the other team knew about my skills and who I’d spoken to, and pushed me to choose a team without an actual offer, while mentioning an expedited promotion I wasn’t supposed to share. I explained I’d like to consider switching teams, but I value both my directors, so I need to weigh the opportunity if it comes. He insisted, and I eventually said I’d go with the other team.

Now, I’m feeling anxious about the whole conversation.

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

Like

6 comments

Share

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.

6 Comments

Join the conversation
  1. Anonymous

    Not fair but reality. Feeling anxious is a natural response.

    I would document everything that was discussed so you don't forgot the details and follow up with your manager and HR. What you don't do is sit silently and hope everything works out as explained/hoped. Now is the time you make some noise. This is not the time to be passive. Push for a job description, timing, next steps. You put things in writing. I don't trust your boss.

  2. Anonymous

    If you followed company policy on internal transfers, you should have nothing to worry about. I say this because I have worked at companies where you couldn't apply for a job transfer unless you had the backing of your current manager. I understand the frustration your manager had, but their reaction was less than professional. Hopefully, this was a human response, and they won't hold it against you if you don't get the transfer.

  3. Anonymous

    Why did you let him pressure you? Go back to him again with HR in tow, I assume you are with a large enough company that has HRBP's and have them witness the conversation. Let him know that you are just talking about career paths and want to know that you were told that someone from HR would give him the info that you had been approached. Let him know that no decisions have been made and that you remain on his team until such a time as you have an offer and that when you do you will work with HR and the new hire to transition and professionally hand over any work so that he is not left short staffed. Let him know that you want him to realize that your career and progression is a strong reflection on him being a good manager (even if its a bit of fluff saying that) and that being a good manager sometimes means letting go and allowing people to move ahead without feeling it means they fail, instead it means their direct reports are infinitely successful. Saying this in a positive way in front of the HRBP will also protect you from any retaliation should you not get an offer from the other team. Follow up the in person conversation with a written one in email as a follow up repeating essentially the same thing. CC HR and your personal email in the BCC as a record. Keep moving up and if this guy does try any silly business you now have this memorialized.

  4. Anonymous

    Thank you, this is much appreciated. I agree that I should have stood by my initial response and not have selected a side. I also think it’s smart to involve HR however I’ve never seen an HR case go well for the person involved.

    Since this post the head of my department told the other department they are not to entertain conversations about me joining their team, again for a position that doesn’t exist.

  5. Anonymous

    OP above: I work in HR and legal. Definitely have this conversation, it will protect you and also memorialize the incident and if you remain super calm in the conversation, look him in the eye, be very point blank and direct then your point will come across. Yes, if HR was supposed to speak to him (which in most bigger companies they do before you consider shifting teams or depts) then they did fail you the first time. This time they likely won't because you are reinforcing things that did and did not happen. Then you have something on record to CYA (cover your a..) and protect you from any bullying he might attempt going forward. I would surely suggest that you consider making a move when something comes up as this person is more focused on their own stuff than supporting their direct reports. Keep being you and doing great work no matter what!

  6. Komal Fatima

    Choosing the right team can shape the entire outcome of your project. Look for people who communicate clearly, respect ideas, and share the same goals. For creative work, I often check https://classy.studio/pakistan to find experienced professionals. A supportive and skilled team always brings better collaboration and results.

Browse recent posts

jljl3ph
Plan construction projects with the Concrete Calculator, a practical online tool for estimating material quantities, calculating concrete requirements, managing costs, and simplifying building work.
Hiii everyone!
I'm. Current looking for remote jobs
Your trusted partner for a cleaner, healthier home in Los Angeles, California. At Quick Clean Carpet Care, we've been providing top-notch carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, pet accident treatment, hard floor cleaning, rug cleaning, window cleaning, and house washing services for over 9 years. Our team of experts uses eco-friendly solutions and state-of-the-art equipment to leave your home sparkling clean and germ-free. From stain removal to deep cleaning, we've got you covered. Serving Los Angeles and surrounding areas, we're committed to delivering exceptional customer service and unparalleled results. Call us today to schedule your appointment and experience the Quick Clean difference!
Your trusted partner for a cleaner, healthier home in Los Angeles, California. At Quick Clean Carpet Care, we've been providing top-notch carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, pet accident treatment, hard floor cleaning, rug cleaning, window cleaning, and house washing services for over 9 years. Our team of experts uses eco-friendly solutions and state-of-the-art equipment to leave your home sparkling clean and germ-free. From stain removal to deep cleaning, we've got you covered. Serving Los Angeles and surrounding areas, we're committed to delivering exceptional customer service and unparalleled results. Call us today to schedule your appointment and experience the Quick Clean difference!
See more
Fairygodboss VIP
Achieve your career goals.
Be part of the largest online career community for women to find jobs, advice, and support — for free.
Fairygodboss members