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What is the professional way to deal with my manager's boss? [closed]
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When I joined this company. I was hired and put in direct report to my manager. After a while my manager's boss a.k.a the director starts to communicate with me. At first it was merely project progress. Now he his asking me to give him a daily report on what am I doing regarding the project. Is he allowed to do so? I feel the pressure and sometime feel to be treated like a little kid.
Furthermore he always gives bad ideas. Which leads me into wasting time researching things that are not going to be used. As a part of innovation team we need to present our project to the customers or any technical person whom comes to visit our plant. On up the coming Monday, the Chief HR Officer is dropping by for 2 hours for several issue. In his tight schedule, the director is planning to showcase the innovations. My big question would be what is the relevance of a Chief HR Officer to innovation program? There have been so many line visit has been misused for the innovation showcase. I feel like a clown every time, to set up everything and display the project to the person whom at the end would never even bother what ever we are doing.
How do I deal with this kind of person? Does it mean he is a big boss. I just need to follow the orders.
professionalism management
edited Jan 20 '15 at 9:09
gnat
3,23873066
asked Jan 20 '15 at 2:16
3.1415926535897932384626433832
49213
closed as off-topic by gnat, Garrison Neely, Michael Grubey, jcmeloni, Chris E Jan 22 '15 at 7:41
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:
- "Real questions have answers. Rather than explaining why your situation is terrible, or why your boss/coworker makes you unhappy, explain what you want to do to make it better. For more information, click here." – gnat, Garrison Neely, Michael Grubey, jcmeloni, Chris E
 |Â
show 6 more comments
up vote
3
down vote
favorite
When I joined this company. I was hired and put in direct report to my manager. After a while my manager's boss a.k.a the director starts to communicate with me. At first it was merely project progress. Now he his asking me to give him a daily report on what am I doing regarding the project. Is he allowed to do so? I feel the pressure and sometime feel to be treated like a little kid.
Furthermore he always gives bad ideas. Which leads me into wasting time researching things that are not going to be used. As a part of innovation team we need to present our project to the customers or any technical person whom comes to visit our plant. On up the coming Monday, the Chief HR Officer is dropping by for 2 hours for several issue. In his tight schedule, the director is planning to showcase the innovations. My big question would be what is the relevance of a Chief HR Officer to innovation program? There have been so many line visit has been misused for the innovation showcase. I feel like a clown every time, to set up everything and display the project to the person whom at the end would never even bother what ever we are doing.
How do I deal with this kind of person? Does it mean he is a big boss. I just need to follow the orders.
professionalism management
edited Jan 20 '15 at 9:09
gnat
3,23873066
asked Jan 20 '15 at 2:16
3.1415926535897932384626433832
49213
closed as off-topic by gnat, Garrison Neely, Michael Grubey, jcmeloni, Chris E Jan 22 '15 at 7:41
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:
- "Real questions have answers. Rather than explaining why your situation is terrible, or why your boss/coworker makes you unhappy, explain what you want to do to make it better. For more information, click here." – gnat, Garrison Neely, Michael Grubey, jcmeloni, Chris E
3
Sometimes you have to participate in the "dog and pony show" that many executives like to put on. It gives them and the project more visibility and even though it can be a political game, sometimes the illusion of innovation and progress is what will keep you and your team employed when executives are looking to cut budget. Keep in mind that the director may know a lot more about what is going on at the organization than you do.
– maple_shaft
Jan 20 '15 at 13:54
1
HR can affect raises, budget, resumes, employee retention, hiring, etc.
– mkennedy
Jan 20 '15 at 18:32
@maple_shaft in fact I was doing "dog and pony show" till the point he ordered me to do daily report. My style of work is complete 3 days of work in a day and chill. So I used to update him little by little, this is to keep him away from the project, as he will come and mess things up. But now I have to laterally come up with something just to type mail and show him what ever progress for today, Which I feel unprofessional at all.
– 3.1415926535897932384626433832
Jan 21 '15 at 0:13
1
@Sarenya Sounds like he is micromanaging you. Maybe your style of work should change to accomodate?
– maple_shaft
Jan 21 '15 at 2:00
1
Re: @Sarenya's point "now I have to laterally come up with something just to type mail and show him what ever progress for today, Which I feel unprofessional at all." I would suggest to see if instead of emails the Boss would prefer a link to a weekly summary, or a spreadsheet on the server where you track your work on a weekly basis. Say you value his time and would rather provide information that is useful and at the right level of detail, rather than more info of lower quality. Daily email might not provide a big picture while weekly status would be enough (quality over quantity).
– A.S
Jan 21 '15 at 14:14
 |Â
show 6 more comments
up vote
3
down vote
favorite
up vote
3
down vote
favorite
When I joined this company. I was hired and put in direct report to my manager. After a while my manager's boss a.k.a the director starts to communicate with me. At first it was merely project progress. Now he his asking me to give him a daily report on what am I doing regarding the project. Is he allowed to do so? I feel the pressure and sometime feel to be treated like a little kid.
Furthermore he always gives bad ideas. Which leads me into wasting time researching things that are not going to be used. As a part of innovation team we need to present our project to the customers or any technical person whom comes to visit our plant. On up the coming Monday, the Chief HR Officer is dropping by for 2 hours for several issue. In his tight schedule, the director is planning to showcase the innovations. My big question would be what is the relevance of a Chief HR Officer to innovation program? There have been so many line visit has been misused for the innovation showcase. I feel like a clown every time, to set up everything and display the project to the person whom at the end would never even bother what ever we are doing.
How do I deal with this kind of person? Does it mean he is a big boss. I just need to follow the orders.
professionalism management
edited Jan 20 '15 at 9:09
gnat
3,23873066
asked Jan 20 '15 at 2:16
3.1415926535897932384626433832
49213
When I joined this company. I was hired and put in direct report to my manager. After a while my manager's boss a.k.a the director starts to communicate with me. At first it was merely project progress. Now he his asking me to give him a daily report on what am I doing regarding the project. Is he allowed to do so? I feel the pressure and sometime feel to be treated like a little kid.
Furthermore he always gives bad ideas. Which leads me into wasting time researching things that are not going to be used. As a part of innovation team we need to present our project to the customers or any technical person whom comes to visit our plant. On up the coming Monday, the Chief HR Officer is dropping by for 2 hours for several issue. In his tight schedule, the director is planning to showcase the innovations. My big question would be what is the relevance of a Chief HR Officer to innovation program? There have been so many line visit has been misused for the innovation showcase. I feel like a clown every time, to set up everything and display the project to the person whom at the end would never even bother what ever we are doing.
How do I deal with this kind of person? Does it mean he is a big boss. I just need to follow the orders.
professionalism management
edited Jan 20 '15 at 9:09
gnat
3,23873066
asked Jan 20 '15 at 2:16
3.1415926535897932384626433832
49213
edited Jan 20 '15 at 9:09
gnat
3,23873066
edited Jan 20 '15 at 9:09
gnat
3,23873066
edited Jan 20 '15 at 9:09
gnat
3,23873066
3,23873066
asked Jan 20 '15 at 2:16
3.1415926535897932384626433832
49213
asked Jan 20 '15 at 2:16
3.1415926535897932384626433832
49213
asked Jan 20 '15 at 2:16
3.1415926535897932384626433832
49213
49213
closed as off-topic by gnat, Garrison Neely, Michael Grubey, jcmeloni, Chris E Jan 22 '15 at 7:41
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:
- "Real questions have answers. Rather than explaining why your situation is terrible, or why your boss/coworker makes you unhappy, explain what you want to do to make it better. For more information, click here." – gnat, Garrison Neely, Michael Grubey, jcmeloni, Chris E
closed as off-topic by gnat, Garrison Neely, Michael Grubey, jcmeloni, Chris E Jan 22 '15 at 7:41
This question appears to be off-topic. The users who voted to close gave this specific reason:
- "Real questions have answers. Rather than explaining why your situation is terrible, or why your boss/coworker makes you unhappy, explain what you want to do to make it better. For more information, click here." – gnat, Garrison Neely, Michael Grubey, jcmeloni, Chris E
3
Sometimes you have to participate in the "dog and pony show" that many executives like to put on. It gives them and the project more visibility and even though it can be a political game, sometimes the illusion of innovation and progress is what will keep you and your team employed when executives are looking to cut budget. Keep in mind that the director may know a lot more about what is going on at the organization than you do.
– maple_shaft
Jan 20 '15 at 13:54
1
HR can affect raises, budget, resumes, employee retention, hiring, etc.
– mkennedy
Jan 20 '15 at 18:32
@maple_shaft in fact I was doing "dog and pony show" till the point he ordered me to do daily report. My style of work is complete 3 days of work in a day and chill. So I used to update him little by little, this is to keep him away from the project, as he will come and mess things up. But now I have to laterally come up with something just to type mail and show him what ever progress for today, Which I feel unprofessional at all.
– 3.1415926535897932384626433832
Jan 21 '15 at 0:13
1
@Sarenya Sounds like he is micromanaging you. Maybe your style of work should change to accomodate?
– maple_shaft
Jan 21 '15 at 2:00
1
Re: @Sarenya's point "now I have to laterally come up with something just to type mail and show him what ever progress for today, Which I feel unprofessional at all." I would suggest to see if instead of emails the Boss would prefer a link to a weekly summary, or a spreadsheet on the server where you track your work on a weekly basis. Say you value his time and would rather provide information that is useful and at the right level of detail, rather than more info of lower quality. Daily email might not provide a big picture while weekly status would be enough (quality over quantity).
– A.S
Jan 21 '15 at 14:14
 |Â
show 6 more comments
3
Sometimes you have to participate in the "dog and pony show" that many executives like to put on. It gives them and the project more visibility and even though it can be a political game, sometimes the illusion of innovation and progress is what will keep you and your team employed when executives are looking to cut budget. Keep in mind that the director may know a lot more about what is going on at the organization than you do.
– maple_shaft
Jan 20 '15 at 13:54
1
HR can affect raises, budget, resumes, employee retention, hiring, etc.
– mkennedy
Jan 20 '15 at 18:32
@maple_shaft in fact I was doing "dog and pony show" till the point he ordered me to do daily report. My style of work is complete 3 days of work in a day and chill. So I used to update him little by little, this is to keep him away from the project, as he will come and mess things up. But now I have to laterally come up with something just to type mail and show him what ever progress for today, Which I feel unprofessional at all.
– 3.1415926535897932384626433832
Jan 21 '15 at 0:13
1
@Sarenya Sounds like he is micromanaging you. Maybe your style of work should change to accomodate?
– maple_shaft
Jan 21 '15 at 2:00
1
Re: @Sarenya's point "now I have to laterally come up with something just to type mail and show him what ever progress for today, Which I feel unprofessional at all." I would suggest to see if instead of emails the Boss would prefer a link to a weekly summary, or a spreadsheet on the server where you track your work on a weekly basis. Say you value his time and would rather provide information that is useful and at the right level of detail, rather than more info of lower quality. Daily email might not provide a big picture while weekly status would be enough (quality over quantity).
– A.S
Jan 21 '15 at 14:14
3
3
Sometimes you have to participate in the "dog and pony show" that many executives like to put on. It gives them and the project more visibility and even though it can be a political game, sometimes the illusion of innovation and progress is what will keep you and your team employed when executives are looking to cut budget. Keep in mind that the director may know a lot more about what is going on at the organization than you do.
– maple_shaft
Jan 20 '15 at 13:54
Sometimes you have to participate in the "dog and pony show" that many executives like to put on. It gives them and the project more visibility and even though it can be a political game, sometimes the illusion of innovation and progress is what will keep you and your team employed when executives are looking to cut budget. Keep in mind that the director may know a lot more about what is going on at the organization than you do.
– maple_shaft
Jan 20 '15 at 13:54
1
1
HR can affect raises, budget, resumes, employee retention, hiring, etc.
– mkennedy
Jan 20 '15 at 18:32
HR can affect raises, budget, resumes, employee retention, hiring, etc.
– mkennedy
Jan 20 '15 at 18:32
@maple_shaft in fact I was doing "dog and pony show" till the point he ordered me to do daily report. My style of work is complete 3 days of work in a day and chill. So I used to update him little by little, this is to keep him away from the project, as he will come and mess things up. But now I have to laterally come up with something just to type mail and show him what ever progress for today, Which I feel unprofessional at all.
– 3.1415926535897932384626433832
Jan 21 '15 at 0:13
@maple_shaft in fact I was doing "dog and pony show" till the point he ordered me to do daily report. My style of work is complete 3 days of work in a day and chill. So I used to update him little by little, this is to keep him away from the project, as he will come and mess things up. But now I have to laterally come up with something just to type mail and show him what ever progress for today, Which I feel unprofessional at all.
– 3.1415926535897932384626433832
Jan 21 '15 at 0:13
1
1
@Sarenya Sounds like he is micromanaging you. Maybe your style of work should change to accomodate?
– maple_shaft
Jan 21 '15 at 2:00
@Sarenya Sounds like he is micromanaging you. Maybe your style of work should change to accomodate?
– maple_shaft
Jan 21 '15 at 2:00
1
1
Re: @Sarenya's point "now I have to laterally come up with something just to type mail and show him what ever progress for today, Which I feel unprofessional at all." I would suggest to see if instead of emails the Boss would prefer a link to a weekly summary, or a spreadsheet on the server where you track your work on a weekly basis. Say you value his time and would rather provide information that is useful and at the right level of detail, rather than more info of lower quality. Daily email might not provide a big picture while weekly status would be enough (quality over quantity).
– A.S
Jan 21 '15 at 14:14
Re: @Sarenya's point "now I have to laterally come up with something just to type mail and show him what ever progress for today, Which I feel unprofessional at all." I would suggest to see if instead of emails the Boss would prefer a link to a weekly summary, or a spreadsheet on the server where you track your work on a weekly basis. Say you value his time and would rather provide information that is useful and at the right level of detail, rather than more info of lower quality. Daily email might not provide a big picture while weekly status would be enough (quality over quantity).
– A.S
Jan 21 '15 at 14:14
 |Â
show 6 more comments
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
up vote
7
down vote
accepted
Of course your manager's boss can tell you what to do. It's obviously a bad idea to do that, he is hindering you in your job, and he is severely stepping on your manager's toes, so if I was your manager's bosses boss, I would tell him to stop it.
I'd say keep your manager informed about everything. If his boss tells you to do something, tell your manager about it. He can step in and tell you not to do it and fight it out with his boss. If you get conflicting orders, go to HR and ask them whose orders you are supposed to follow (it should be whatever your manager tells you). If you spend time doing work that his boss demands from you, obviously that takes up your time and other work won't get done.
answered Jan 20 '15 at 8:58
gnasher729
71k31131222
I always kept my manager informed and execute my managers order. All the director needed was to ask my manager what is the progress done not site stepping like you said. Anyways, I have tendered my resignation letter. I just could not stand this political dilemma.
– 3.1415926535897932384626433832
Jan 21 '15 at 0:16
suggest improvements |Â
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
7
down vote
accepted
Of course your manager's boss can tell you what to do. It's obviously a bad idea to do that, he is hindering you in your job, and he is severely stepping on your manager's toes, so if I was your manager's bosses boss, I would tell him to stop it.
I'd say keep your manager informed about everything. If his boss tells you to do something, tell your manager about it. He can step in and tell you not to do it and fight it out with his boss. If you get conflicting orders, go to HR and ask them whose orders you are supposed to follow (it should be whatever your manager tells you). If you spend time doing work that his boss demands from you, obviously that takes up your time and other work won't get done.
answered Jan 20 '15 at 8:58
gnasher729
71k31131222
I always kept my manager informed and execute my managers order. All the director needed was to ask my manager what is the progress done not site stepping like you said. Anyways, I have tendered my resignation letter. I just could not stand this political dilemma.
– 3.1415926535897932384626433832
Jan 21 '15 at 0:16
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
7
down vote
accepted
Of course your manager's boss can tell you what to do. It's obviously a bad idea to do that, he is hindering you in your job, and he is severely stepping on your manager's toes, so if I was your manager's bosses boss, I would tell him to stop it.
I'd say keep your manager informed about everything. If his boss tells you to do something, tell your manager about it. He can step in and tell you not to do it and fight it out with his boss. If you get conflicting orders, go to HR and ask them whose orders you are supposed to follow (it should be whatever your manager tells you). If you spend time doing work that his boss demands from you, obviously that takes up your time and other work won't get done.
answered Jan 20 '15 at 8:58
gnasher729
71k31131222
I always kept my manager informed and execute my managers order. All the director needed was to ask my manager what is the progress done not site stepping like you said. Anyways, I have tendered my resignation letter. I just could not stand this political dilemma.
– 3.1415926535897932384626433832
Jan 21 '15 at 0:16
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
7
down vote
accepted
up vote
7
down vote
accepted
Of course your manager's boss can tell you what to do. It's obviously a bad idea to do that, he is hindering you in your job, and he is severely stepping on your manager's toes, so if I was your manager's bosses boss, I would tell him to stop it.
I'd say keep your manager informed about everything. If his boss tells you to do something, tell your manager about it. He can step in and tell you not to do it and fight it out with his boss. If you get conflicting orders, go to HR and ask them whose orders you are supposed to follow (it should be whatever your manager tells you). If you spend time doing work that his boss demands from you, obviously that takes up your time and other work won't get done.
answered Jan 20 '15 at 8:58
gnasher729
71k31131222
Of course your manager's boss can tell you what to do. It's obviously a bad idea to do that, he is hindering you in your job, and he is severely stepping on your manager's toes, so if I was your manager's bosses boss, I would tell him to stop it.
I'd say keep your manager informed about everything. If his boss tells you to do something, tell your manager about it. He can step in and tell you not to do it and fight it out with his boss. If you get conflicting orders, go to HR and ask them whose orders you are supposed to follow (it should be whatever your manager tells you). If you spend time doing work that his boss demands from you, obviously that takes up your time and other work won't get done.
answered Jan 20 '15 at 8:58
gnasher729
71k31131222
answered Jan 20 '15 at 8:58
gnasher729
71k31131222
answered Jan 20 '15 at 8:58
gnasher729
71k31131222
answered Jan 20 '15 at 8:58
gnasher729
71k31131222
71k31131222
I always kept my manager informed and execute my managers order. All the director needed was to ask my manager what is the progress done not site stepping like you said. Anyways, I have tendered my resignation letter. I just could not stand this political dilemma.
– 3.1415926535897932384626433832
Jan 21 '15 at 0:16
suggest improvements |Â
I always kept my manager informed and execute my managers order. All the director needed was to ask my manager what is the progress done not site stepping like you said. Anyways, I have tendered my resignation letter. I just could not stand this political dilemma.
– 3.1415926535897932384626433832
Jan 21 '15 at 0:16
I always kept my manager informed and execute my managers order. All the director needed was to ask my manager what is the progress done not site stepping like you said. Anyways, I have tendered my resignation letter. I just could not stand this political dilemma.
– 3.1415926535897932384626433832
Jan 21 '15 at 0:16
I always kept my manager informed and execute my managers order. All the director needed was to ask my manager what is the progress done not site stepping like you said. Anyways, I have tendered my resignation letter. I just could not stand this political dilemma.
– 3.1415926535897932384626433832
Jan 21 '15 at 0:16
suggest improvements |Â
3
Sometimes you have to participate in the "dog and pony show" that many executives like to put on. It gives them and the project more visibility and even though it can be a political game, sometimes the illusion of innovation and progress is what will keep you and your team employed when executives are looking to cut budget. Keep in mind that the director may know a lot more about what is going on at the organization than you do.
– maple_shaft
Jan 20 '15 at 13:54
1
HR can affect raises, budget, resumes, employee retention, hiring, etc.
– mkennedy
Jan 20 '15 at 18:32
@maple_shaft in fact I was doing "dog and pony show" till the point he ordered me to do daily report. My style of work is complete 3 days of work in a day and chill. So I used to update him little by little, this is to keep him away from the project, as he will come and mess things up. But now I have to laterally come up with something just to type mail and show him what ever progress for today, Which I feel unprofessional at all.
– 3.1415926535897932384626433832
Jan 21 '15 at 0:13
1
@Sarenya Sounds like he is micromanaging you. Maybe your style of work should change to accomodate?
– maple_shaft
Jan 21 '15 at 2:00
1
Re: @Sarenya's point "now I have to laterally come up with something just to type mail and show him what ever progress for today, Which I feel unprofessional at all." I would suggest to see if instead of emails the Boss would prefer a link to a weekly summary, or a spreadsheet on the server where you track your work on a weekly basis. Say you value his time and would rather provide information that is useful and at the right level of detail, rather than more info of lower quality. Daily email might not provide a big picture while weekly status would be enough (quality over quantity).
– A.S
Jan 21 '15 at 14:14