Frances Horibe's

Incompatible Orders—Ask Your Boss? Your CEO (Danvers) gave a rousing speech about breaking down silos which seemed incompatible with your boss Sean’s views. In the last post, you and your buddy Ethan from another section decided to go ahead with a cross-silo project. Sean did not react well. Given this, should you have asked him first even though you think he would have said no? Let’s see what happens. Asking your boss about incompatible orders even if he’s kind of a shit Sean: What did I tell you after the staff meeting? You: You said to keep working— Sean: Exactly—just work on the projects I assign you. You: But what about the CEO— Sean: (makes a disgusted noise) These mucky-mucks don’t know what they’re talking about. The trick is to keep your head down until they go haring off after another great idea. You: But if she really wants to change things— Sean: I’ll tell you if you need to change anything. You: Ah, okay. So you’ve asked and as you’ve feared, Sean has vetoed the idea without even giving you a chance to explain. You’re discouraged and Sean is probably pissed off that you questioned his original order. If…

Contradictory Orders—Follow the Big Boss?   In the last post, you went to an inspiring all-staff meeting where the CEO, Ms. Danvers, encouraged everyone to work across silos to create greater team work. You think it’s a great idea although your boss Sean seems to be giving off contradictory vibes. But your buddy Ethan from another unit (silo) of the company is also enthusiastic and suggests you work together on a great new app. You really believe in the CEO’s message so you agree to start work on the project. For the next couple of weeks, you work hard on it and you’re getting excited about its potential. It’s taken more time than anticipated but you figure with one last push, you’ll at least have a demo. You can imagine the CEO using your work and Ethan’s as an example of cross-silo teamwork The potential downside of following the CEO’s contradictory orders   However, at the beginning of the third week, Sean leans over your cubicle wall. Sean: Hey, Ange, I was expecting the Houston redesign on Friday. What’s up? You: Oh, sorry, Sean, it’s taking longer than expected. I should have it to you by the end of the…

Conflicting Orders You can get into trouble when the big boss is saying one thing and your immediate boss is giving conflicting orders. Let’s look at the following situation. You’ve just come from an all-staff meeting. The CEO seems great. She’s all fired up about a new approach to teamwork which encourages employees to work across silos to share expertise and resources. You’re eager to give it a try. Your boss and co-worker have conflicting views You’re walking back from the meeting with your boss, Sean.   You: Boy, that was a great, don’t you think? Sean: Yeah, sure, Angela. You: I mean, we need to break down silos across the company. Sean: I guess so. You: So what do you think we should be doing? Sean: I think you should keep doing what you’re doing. You: But Ms Danvers— Sean: Yeah, same old, same old.   Back at your cubicle, you’re a little nonplussed. Sean is usually quite a good guy. Maybe he just got out of the wrong side of the bed. Your office neighbor (Lori) comes back to her desk. Even a colleague does You: What did you think of the meeting? Lori: That Danvers—she can really…

Getting Acknowledgement of Your Work from the Execs In the last post, you were disappointed that your boss was tapped to do an important presentation on the pre-kindergarten game that you designed. You should get acknowledgement for your achievements and, to be fair, your supervisor, Melody, has done so. But I get why you might want the powers-that-be to know also—it’s a way to build your credibility and career. Let’s discuss how to come to the attention of senior people when you are in a large company. Offer to do technical demo In the previous conversation, Melody justified doing the presentation because she could present the financial and marketing background. It makes sense, but you might be able to wrangle doing the technical demonstration of the game. Might work, might not. A lot will depend, not so much on Melody’s good will (although that’s important, also) but on your company’s usual way of handling the situation. How to act at the executive meeting Say you get permission to do the technical demo. Congrats but you need to ensure you make the most of the opportunity. You want everyone to think, “What an up-and-comer,” not “Who does he think he is?”…

My Boss Accepts Praise for My Work This post will apply primarily to those working in large companies or very established ones. It might have less relevance if you’re in a small company or a new one or a young one. Who gets the praise can be dependent on the size of the organization. The situation You have been working on a great new game for smart pre-kindergarteners. Your boss (Melody) has been unstinting in her praise. You have done a prototype and it’s now ready for prime time—that is, presentation to the executive committee. But it becomes clear that Melody will do it, not you. This annoys you and you decide to have it out with her. Should you do the presentation? You: Melody, got a moment? Melody: Sure, Nick. What’s on your mind? You: I have a bone to pick. How come you’re doing the presentation to the executive committee? Melody: Well, because the VP asked me to. You: In my last company, I got to do the presentations. Melody: But here, it’s usually the manager who does it. You: How come? I know the product best. Melody: Absolutely, but do you know about the costs, the projected…