[mari1021]

I have been successfully working with my female boss for 6 years now and she adores me and I admire her. Three months ago senior mngt. hired a man and made him her boss and some other lady's boss. She hated this! She didn't like him at all because she had heard really bad things about him and really thought he didn't know his stuff. So about two months ago her boss approached me and offered my a job to work directly under him. He told me he knew my work experience and he felt I was right for the job. This meant I would move up to be at the same level as my boss! I was very loyal to her so had to tell her I accepted the position. She wasn't very happy. I'm I not allowed to move up? I am in my mid 20's and have so much ahead of me! The twist here is the job I am taking someone else is getting fired for! She is such a smart lady that I call her the "word wizard" but she is not financially savvy and this is what her boss is looking for. I feel so guilty! Everyone dislikes this man and feel he is a fraud but then why would senior management hire him? I'm a going into something I will regret?

[LisaOlsen]

Hi Mari1021,

Your message and situation really intrigued me! Congratulations on the promotion! Your concerns are valid and based on the information you provided, I would suggest a few ideas to consider:

Did you sit down with the new boss and discuss what the new position involves? Did you ask questions about his management style and his expectations? In other words, did you "interview" the new boss? You mentioned you don't want to go into something you will regret, and that's true, you don't, so do your due diligence by learning as much as you can about he job and if it is a good fit for you. You have been in a very solid, good working relationship with your current boss - a promotion to a new position is great, but unless you understand what the new job is all about, you may be hit with some surprises, be shocked by his management style, etc. etc.

Your comments about senior management hiring him despite everyone's impression that he is a fraud is very interesting. He very well could be a fraud and has bambuzzeled senior management! On the other hand, he could be a tough, smart, experienced manager who gets things done and the other managers feel a bit threatened. Since he's new to the job, he's learning the ropes and his true colors will show soon enough. If you accept the job, you take on the responsibility of accepting the type of leader he is - you can't complain about it later.

Bottom line, Mari is this: You certainly are allowed to move up - but you also must be accountable for your decisions. You mentioned HE felt you were right for the job, question is do YOU feel you are right for the job - and do you know what the "job" actually involves. If you can answer those two questions honestly, then go for it!

One side note that concerns me: Why did the boss come directly to you to offer the job? Why didn't he go to YOUR boss, respecting that relationship, and discuss the opportunity with her? It's understandable that your boss feels slighted since you have such a great working relationship. That might be a red flag on how this guy operates. I don't know how your company works as far as internal job opportunities- but it does sound a bit fishy, especially since this guy is new and should be trying to build alliances and relationships - not cause problems.

Hope it all works out.This could be a great opportunity for you! Sounds like you are a valuable asset to the company - so continue to work hard and bring your best to work everyday.

Lisa Olsen/The Career Consultant
Good luck!

[Jodith]

I agree with Lisa that the way he approached this is a little fishy. I also say, don't completely discount the opinions of the other managers. They are working more closely with the new boss than you are, so may be seeing things that you aren't. I think that Lisa is right on that you need to "interview the boss". However, if you decide to turn the promotion down, be sure to couch it in terms of you think you aren't a right fit for the position, and be appropriately grateful for the opportunity.

And if you do take the job, I would definitely sit down with your current boss and discuss the issue, apologize if protocol was breached in the offering of the job, and try to keep the good rapport she has with you. Express your gratitude for all she taught you and give her credit for her teaching helping you take this new step.

[mari1021]

Thank you Lisa and Jodith for your great and valuable advice with this issue. I actually did interview my boss and have spoken to him about the position and what the expectations would be which is why I felt confortable taking the position. Obviously I don't know everything today but I am willing to be challenged to learn new things. As far as the way he is going about doing things, I don't completely feel right about it but so far he has treated me with respect and expresses his confidence in me and my abilities. My boss has been on guard with him from the beginning and keeping things from him which is why I think he approached me before coming to her. Once I start working under him I will keep a look out for his behavior and sit down with him to discuss if there is a time when I feel an action was inapropriate.

I will definitely express my gratitude to my boss because she has brought me to where I am today and has taught me great things.