For those who have employees

i have been comtemplating to move to another position elsewhere. I manage an office here where the boss (let's call him the senior management) is elsewhere (interstate). i've been in this position for about 2 years (after 18 months out of uni). for the past 18 months or so, the senior management has not been communicating with me in regards to staff review, staff upgrades, monthly turnover and overall company performance, just to name a few. in fact, from the past manager, senior management has communication problems especially with male staff.

present number of staff has increased from 4 to 9. incoming jobs have increased double. both situation since i took over. however, i think i still lack some skills. I did not have any management skills before i took over as the manager. senior management thinks that management courses are a waste of time and money so the boss said he'll lend me a book on management to read instead. so i do not have any formal management training. In addition, i do not have the luxury of learning from someone more experience than me (as i am the most senior and experience in this office) but senior managment are not always there to help (sometimes not at all... yup senior mnagement did a runner on me many times) when in need. and i know i have plenty to learn cos when i speak to the more experience professionals, i do not really understand the topics they are talking about. i need to gain some experience, be it management and/or technical but i'm not exactly getting them.

this is where problems start. as the manager, i make on the spot decisions to my best capability and knowledge. when the decision is wrong, i get a nasty call from senior management. in addition, senior management has been conversing to another colleague about office matters rather than to me. this don't really matter cos it means i wouldn't have to do more work and get a middle management wage. but then again, it is not good for my well being. i want to learn, be it from my errors or making right decisions. i'm not getting feedback about my performance.

so like i said earlier, i'm thinking about moving to elsewhere to learn from an experience professional (and i know where i can find it). but are the reasons i mentioned,personally, justifiable to move on or should i speak to senior management?

your views will be appreciated. thanks in advance.

Re: - For those who have employees.

Kero.

You'll possibly find for an employer I'm a little outside the square here.
Just bear with me.

Firstly as an employee (and this goes for EVERY employee) all you have to trade for your income is YOU.

Now most importantly YOU must CHOOSE and employer who can and will recognise all those VALUABLE assets that make up YOU.

Further YOU must choose an employer who will nurture and encourage those assests to grow WITH THEIR business.
In future be sure to interview YOUR prospective employers before YOU offer them YOU.

Timing is everything. At the point of being offered a job begin your interview (Before wage negotiation) set out to discuss and have clearly defined not only your role but your future role and have all questions re YOUR future answered.
It might go something like this.

Geoff thanks for your position offer. I certaintly like the position.But just before I accept your affer I would like to ask a few questions myself---see I need a forward thinking progressive employer who allows me to grow with their company.I can see many challenges here and this is exactly what I have been looking for.Do XYZ promote from within?
Do XYZ train staff in XYZ rloes.What is company policy for continued out performance and achievements of goals. How can I advance myself here?
Plus all those questions you need answered re advancement.Let me know if you need some.

Finally I would do 2 things set a reveiw date initially 2 mths and then as each review comes up set another.Make sure each reveiw you have plenty to CONTRIBUTE.Hand it to those (All those effected by your input) for comment before the meeting as generally you'll meet with only one person---if you need the ear of someone specific either make a seperate meeting or have them included.

Point is TAKE CONTROL of your future---I can see your doing that!!

To your current situation.
Your manager obviously doesnt have management skills if he did he'd be using them.Many business owners start with nothing (I did and still have most of it!!)--only kidding).Management skills and developing corporate structures arent taught at high school--- hence companies struggle in growth unless the owner recognises this is not his expertise and employs people with that expertise---or any other expertise his company needs.
OR
He trains himself and his staff with QUALITY business management education.
Books are "D" class education without practical mentor guidence.
I have been in business 27 yrs and have gone from $300,000 a year to $4,400,000 this year---the difference in level of management skill required at each level is vastly different.----At $10,000,000 it will be different again.

I and 3 staff are currently doing Adelaide Universities Advanced Management Degree. Its over a number of years but the difference it has made to us not only as individuals but to the Company has been nothing short of astounding.
At $5000 a year its pricy but if you think education is expensive try IGNORANCE. I'll admit I once had the veiw of "What can a bunch of academics teach someone who has been in business 25 yrs"---STACKS.

So search out and become MORE VALUABLE to any prospective employer.This one isnt it--in my veiw.

Kero.
Go find the right employer for YOU.You'll know them when you find them.
It will be the most rewarding thing for BOTH of you.Enjoy every day of work and you'll never work a day in your life.

As for books.
Sigma Six for Dummies.(I'm currently reading it along with 4 others).Moneybags can get it.

What do you do?
What do you want to do --in a perfect world?

Re: - For those who have employees.

Kerosam,

Tech has given you excellent advice. It may take you a while to find the kind of employer he describes, but the search will be worth it.

Let us know how you get on.

Good luck.

Julia

Re: - For those who have employees.

Kerosam

This may be a great opportunity for you.

Why not educate yourself as best you can and use this position to learn from first hand some of the management techniques/skills required.

If this company is not smart enough to help you when required and places all the responsibility on you then all you can do is your best and learn from the experience. Hands on experience is usually the best.

Once you have conquered that then move on to someone who appreciates your newly developed skills (or ask for a major salary rise!).

If the pressure is too much and it is affecting your health/life adversely then move on.

Good luck, what ever you decide.

Re: - For those who have employees.

hello fellows,

thanks for your input. i'll be considering them before i renew my contract coming Feb.

heading overseas next week for hols. so if i don't get to 'see' you guys, happy holidays!

Re: - For those who have employees.

for those who helped, just an update...

there's an opportunity in the govt dept for me and got head hunted by a recruitment consultant (offer in Brisbane). probably my thoughts will be clearer and decisions more solid after new year. will keep you guys posted.

thanks again folks.

Re: - For those who have employees.

Kero.

Remember the recruitment co is only interested in placing you (Or someone else) in the position,thats how they make their $$$s.

Head hunted by the employer has much more bearing---but hey there is an opportunity---be sure to only take positions which fit with YOU.

Remember you EMPLOY your EMPLOYER.

Re: - For those who have employees.

thanks tech/a, will remember when i decide which has better prospects.

Re: - For those who have employees.

Kero, when you leave your job just be a real ratbag so they have to sack you. Then file an unfair dismissal case and make them settle out of court. Easy money. Thats assuming its before the new IR laws come in or your company has over 100 employees. Might have a bit of trouble getting a reference though.

Re: - For those who have employees.

hahahahah. thanks for the idea milkman. might leave that gig for a much worse employer... like your sense of humour.

Re: - For those who have employees.

update:

1. Recruitment guy got me an interview with the director coming monday. Job scope not exactly the same.... how to put it??? mmmm, same occupation but working on more complex projects which I doubt I can get here.

2. Govt dept has received my resume and will contact me early next year for interview. Job scope a bit different, more audits and more technical orientated.

prefer 1 cos I can see more opportunities available than 2.

Re: - For those who have employees.

Kerosam

Glad to see you have a bit of choice.

I tell my kids that one of the most important ( if not the most important) factor is to enjoy what you are doing.

More money, status etc don't help much if you dread going to work each day.

Re: - For those who have employees.

Kero.

Remember to interveiw both prospective employers.
Write down what you wish to know and that stretches as far as CONFIRMING what you think the position is and where it will lead.

Dont GUESS what you think the position is or maybe in the future,gain specifics.

Prospective employers worth working for will be impressed by someone who values his future.
Let them know how important finding the RIGHT EMPLOYER IS TO YOU very early in the job interview--then sit back and see how much they can offer you--(Not necesserily in monetary terms).

Goodluck I wish I was there!!

Re: - For those who have employees.

Kero,

All the best for the interview. Let us know how it goes. Remember, you are interviewing your prospective employer just as much as he is interviewing you.

Good luck.

Julia

Re: - For those who have employees.

its been a while since i update you guys of my future... after a long interview today, i have finally landed the job i preferred. Its a company nation wide and last year they started a branch in WA and due to excssive work, they are giving me an opportunity to join in the fun! paying wise.... will keep you guys updated!

thanks folks! tech/a, care to meet up? Might be in Adelaide for a few days late march.

Re: - For those who have employees.

Congratulations Kerosam

When do you start, and would you care to tell us a bit about the learning opportunities in the job?

Ghoti

Re: - For those who have employees.

kerosam said:

its been a while since i update you guys of my future... after a long interview today, i have finally landed the job i preferred. Its a company nation wide and last year they started a branch in WA and due to excssive work, they are giving me an opportunity to join in the fun! paying wise.... will keep you guys updated!

thanks folks! tech/a, care to meet up? Might be in Adelaide for a few days late march.

Click to expand...

A congratulatory drink is in order.
Be happy to bend an elbow.
Private Mail me.

Re: - For those who have employees.

Hello Kero,

Well, good for you - congratulations. Hope it works out really well.

Julia

Re: - For those who have employees.

Hello folks,

just received the letter of offer from the company. In addition to annual wages, they have also include a car allowance. I was wondering whether someone can enlighten me about the following:

1. Is the car allowance taxable?

2. What does the car allowance consist of? Fuel, maintenance? As i might have travel (by driving) to rural or country often, i am concern that the car allowance might not be enough to cover the cost. OR, can i claim these cost on my tax return? OR, i should be able to reimbursed the fuel cost from the company?

Many thanks in advance.