Would you work to get out or work to work it out?

Anonymous

May 21,2022 at 10:55PM UTC

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Would you work to get out or work to work it out? I am one of three mid-level leaders in my department. We have undergone a very stressful year of reorg-ing our department. Our roles are ill-defined and aspirational, and our VP has left it up to us to figure out how to get from current state to the aspiration. As the year has gone on, the dynamic has gone from "we're in it together" to something that feels competitive, uncomfortable and toxic. We have shared ownership of how the dynamic got to this point. I have been actively working on showing up differently. However, I can't remedy the situation on my own, and our boss has put the onus of "fixing it" on me.

I actually really enjoy many aspects of my job and the company. I love the team of creatives that I lead and have had fun executing on some really challenging projects. I'm also in a leadership training/mentorship program that I like and am learning so much. Unfortunately, the dynamic with these two other managers (and our boss, if I'm being honest) is outweighing these positives and I'm not sure it's worth staying.

I know it's just a thumbnail sketch of the situation. I'd love to hear your thoughts, stories, strategies and advice! Thank you in advance.

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AnonymousMay 22,2022 at 12:36AM UTC
It really comes down to a personal alignment with the current situation of role, team dynamics and growth.
You are either aligned and feel the work, energy and investment is worth staying or you don't feel the momentum, rewards and satisfaction is or will be there.
It's a highly personal decision and is arrived at organically by weighing what is truly felt and experienced.
You don't want to waste time at this stage of your career. These are important times in terms of growth and development.
AnonymousMay 22,2022 at 1:24AM UTC
Not a bad idea to open yourself up for other opportunities but I'd stay until I find something that excites me and I want to run toward that opportunity.
AnonymousMay 22,2022 at 1:40AM UTC
People tend to act self-protective and non-forthcoming in uncertain situations. The problem is the situation you are in. Make sure it does not become nerve-wracking and unhealthy, in which case, you have to look at your options.