asking for a transfer and making a graceful transition without causing problems

Anonymous

May 26,2022 at 5:29PM UTC

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asking for a transfer and making a graceful transition without causing problems

I've been with my organization for a little over a year. I've had a nice time working here, overall, but the section I'm in has a lot of tough people to work with who have made the job unpleasant at times. I just learned of a potential opportunity to transfer--a new role in a different section-- and I'd like to apply and hopefully, land it and get out of the current section I'm supporting. What's the best way to handle this without getting into the real reasons why I want out of this section after only a year? I work for a few terrific managers but they're not the people I deal with most often-- I usually have to interact with the unpleasant ones, and I suspect this will only get worse. I do think the new role will be a good growth opportunity. Should I avoid being totally honest at all costs, even if I'm asked why I want to move after only a year? I know I'm sort of expected to stay in one place for 2-3 years possibly. I'm also aware that my current section has a not-so-great reputation as a tough area to work in. Thank you!

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AnonymousMay 26,2022 at 5:38PM UTC
Original poster here again. One example of how people are difficult to work with here is how a middle manager blamed me for a project being delayed when the reason it still wasn't complete was that one of project owners were on vacation at the same time and have not been responsive for quite some time. Other than flying to Lake Tahoe or wherever they went, there was no way to get the required approval. My manager had also told me to hold off until their return. Still, this other manager reprimanded me and didn't even apologize when I told her I had to hold off on moving it forward because John was on vacation. So, yeah, these people can be unreasonable.
AnonymousMay 27,2022 at 5:22AM UTC
Is it normal for other managers to reprimand you? If that’s not the expectation then you’ll need to talk to your manager about what happened.
I also work with many managers, however if they have feedback or reprimand me for something, they need to communicate that to my manager and have him talk to me.
Regina BrownMay 26,2022 at 6:33PM UTC
Why do you feel it necessary to say anything? There is an opportunity somewhere else and you would like to explore your options. However, BEFORE you say anything, see if you get the position...unless you want to stay and improve upon the communication in your current department at which point, you should speak with your immediate manager/supervisor.
AnonymousMay 28,2022 at 12:30PM UTC
I can’t speak for the original poster, but my experience with trying to transfer internally is the current manager has to be informed. Some places automatically notify the current manager of the application. So she’s wise to be prepared for the questions.
AnonymousMay 26,2022 at 6:48PM UTC
If you're looking for a simple statement for your managers you report to just say " I saw this position open and it sound like a great fit for me and a great next step. I want to request a transfer if I am offered tge chance.
TeenieMay 27,2022 at 11:53AM UTC
This is the best simple reason, also it is true.
AnonymousMay 26,2022 at 6:51PM UTC
Yes, avoid being honest about your negative feelings. If the boss who you feel negative about becomes an executive, you would not want to become their target to block you from future opportunities right? Just focus on yourself, focus on moving forward. Also realize this is only your perspective. Just bc a manager is toxic to you does not necessarily mean that is the same experience for everyone else, even if it appears to be. Focus on getting your resume and prepping for interviews. Don't just apply for one opportunity, apply to several if your real focus is leaving what you consider to be a toxic environment. And once you leave there, don't look back. It is HRs job to recognize toxicity and once enough people leave that might be their wakeup call to do something about management. But don't try to be no hero in this, it may burn the very bridge you need in the future. FAKE IT TO MAKE IT. And then gossip over dinner.
Lisa HughesMay 26,2022 at 7:18PM UTC
I would avoid being completely honest. If that section has a reputation, then even without saying it people will know the real reason. If it really is a growth opportunity, cite that as your reason for applying. You really don't even need to tell your co-workers. Those managers might ask, but anyone else...bare minimum information is acceptable.
AnonymousMay 28,2022 at 12:35PM UTC
I’d just talk about your interest in the new work and the current work not being a great fit. You don’t want to hurt people’s feelings or create enemies that haunt your career.
Kathleen Norton-SchockMay 28,2022 at 1:28PM UTC
I would position my request in terms of the benefit you will bring the company, your colleagues, and more! As you ask for it, do a little research and cite your strengths, and desire for additional learning and growth. Can you reach out to the new managers you will be supporting, quietly? And ask them if you are a good candidate and would they want you to assist them? Always helps to get as much support as possible. Good luck!
Crystal HowellMay 28,2022 at 2:35PM UTC
Go for it! If they ask, it's for career growth. Dont be negative, move gracefully.
If 2 years required, maybe no one else will apply. Speak to your manager from a career growth opp. They may recommend you.
Try, you don't have to live with I should've,could've,etc.
Julie SencionMay 28,2022 at 2:44PM UTC
Let me start with I work in HR and have almost 2 decades of experience .Most companies have a procedure around internal employees applying for open roles outside of their department . Some require you notify you manager when you apply and some as you do so when you are going to interview. Your current manager can’t keep you from applying or interviewing . Companies have check and balances to help make sure a manager can’t keep an employee from applying or interviewing for a role. Also I have never work any place that keeps employees for staying in their current role longer than a 1 yr.
First, find out what the process is. Ask HR (start with recruiting). Second, when you are talking to your manager or hiring manager, focus on why this new role will help you grow your career, what you like about the department and what you learn from your current job. You never want to talk negatively about your current manager, department or company (this goes for interviewing with another company). The hiring manager may speak directly with your boss to get feedback , think of this as a reference. Most managers will not bad mouth an employee they want to leave the company. They don’t want to deal with all the work that goes into that so sending “the problem” to another group is preferred. If you were really a “problem” employee the process the company has won’t let you apply for another role until you are meeting expectations for at least 6 months. Again the checks and balances.
I will end with this, companies work very hard to ensure employees can freely apply for other roles without the interference of their current manager or fear of retaliation if you do and aren’t offered the job. If there are HR Business Partners in your company find out who works with your group and talk to them directly about concerns around applying internally so you know how to best apply.
Best of luck!
Karen GongawareJune 2,2022 at 3:30PM UTC
Just what you stated, "the new role will be a good growth opportunity for you and will benefit the company in the long run." Now have great examples of how you will bring this new knowledge to enriching the company.