My manager resents my success while on probation, so he takes it out on me
Less than six months ago I found a job close to my home so I could spend more time with my family. One of the reasons I took the job was that my line manager told me he would be remiss if I was not promoted from this role some time in the next 18 months. I am now a few weeks away from the end of my six-month probation, when I will come under the rules for permanent employees.
About four weeks after starting, my line manager got a request for a bid he did not know how to complete. It took about six hours to finalise a response; we won the tender and around £1m of new business. Pleased for a moment, my boss quickly became resentful of being so busy; around once a week I am now subject to his angrily laying into me but only in the confines of the office I share with him. His one constant excuse is that he is trying to “protect” me.
Protect me or not, the MD has bestowed on me management responsibility for the bidding process for the company. It’s clear that my position as a process manager and as his employee irk my line manager.
It was his birthday recently and he started the day with a 10-minute game of “tell me who your boss is”. I have since gone through two appraisals holding my tongue, but I feel something must be said. He has apologised; he says he knows he was out of line. I could write a grievance letter but am worried about doing so when still on probation. What is the best way to proceed?
Jeremy says
I assume that, were it not for your line manager’s attitude and behaviour, you’d be perfectly happy in this job? If that’s the case you should certainly do nothing to jeopardise it while you’re still on probation. You seem to have made a success of your role, and with only a few weeks to go successfully completing your probationary period should be no more than a formality.
It’s true that your line manager’s behaviour suggests he might be tempted to oppose such a move, but given your contribution to that successful tender, clearly recognised by the MD who has since entrusted you with additional responsibility, it seems unlikely.
I strongly suspect your line manager is suffering from acute insecurity. He was happy enough, when you started, to act as your boss and encourage you to think of promotion within 18 months. But then, within four weeks, at least in his eyes, you’d shown him up. He couldn’t complete that bid proposal and you could. Of course you didn’t do it deliberately but it clearly hurt him and he’s been taking it out on you ever since. Direct recognition from the MD won’t have helped.
His behaviour isn’t excusable but it’s sort of understandable, and I think you should be more patient with him than he probably deserves. The fact that he could bring himself to apologise – it won’t have been easy for him – is a small but encouraging sign. So hang in there until your probationary period is over, then thank him for his support. If he can take some personal satisfaction from your success, your relationship could change for the better quite quickly. If it doesn’t, you’ll be well within your rights to apply for an internal transfer.
Readers say
• Your future lies with the managing director, not your manager. You have done remarkably well during your probation and this has not gone unnoticed. Hold your breath for a few more weeks. Have a chat with the MD and tell them how you plan to develop your new role. Ask for their input and mention that, by the way, there seems to be some tension with your manager because of conflicting accountabilities. Say you would like clarification on these issues and that you are willing to help with a solution that benefits the firm. Don’t make this about him and you, instead use the situation to create a better position for yourself. Aranzazu
• If a new employee can bring in a huge contract in a few weeks, it raises questions about what opportunities your boss missed. He is responding how all weak people do – through bullying. Get through the probation, develop a relationship with his boss and time will solve this problem through your success. allyouneediscash
• I wonder if you could also propose plans for delivering this contract, including reallocating work or recruiting additional staff. room32
My NHS career has stalled. Should I quit for a private practice with less stress?
I have worked for the NHS in one of the allied health professions for seven years. Due to cost cutting and service reorganisations the opportunities for career progression have drastically reduced over this time. I recently gained a promotion to the next pay grade, but my job will not change as I have been functioning at this level for a number of years waiting for a job to become available.
Almost simultaneously, I was offered a job with an independent practice that is offering to match the pay scale and leave entitlement I have with the NHS. I haven’t received a contract yet but I’m sure, as a small business, it will be unable to match the other benefits of working for a large organisation, ie pension, sick pay, etc. On the other hand, the benefits of working for the private firm are a much reduced caseload of patients, where I will be able to make a real change to the lives of individuals rather that plastering over the cracks, and much better resources to complete tasks efficiently.
I consider it a great drawback that I will only be able to provide this service to people who can afford to pay for it but, all in all, I feel I will achieve better job satisfaction in the independent practice. It was always my long-term aim to set up my own practice and by working for a successful practice I will be able to learn how to do this from the inside. Should I give up the job and pension security of the NHS in favour of a less stressed working day?
Jeremy says
Given your long-term aim, it’s clear you don’t have any objection in principle to working in the independent health sector. And since you see this job as providing you with immediate improved job satisfaction and invaluable experience for your future career, you should certainly take it. But please study the contract extremely carefully – perhaps with the help of a professional adviser. I’m not suggesting any trickery, just that there may be private sector entitlements you could negotiate.
Readers say
• I moved from the NHS to an independent. It was a not-for-profit special needs school, and social services and the NHS paid me. It was a different world. The work still has its stresses but what makes a difference is the voice you have. You can change procedures if they are not working – it’s great. fizzdarling
• I have left the NHS and spent a lot of time feeling guilty about jumping ship, until it was pointed out that most of my Guardian-reading friends work for private companies to make money and their principles are never questioned. I am still a nurse but no longer feel on the verge of a breakdown. The NHS failed me as an employer and no amount of principles are worth my sanity. bumbles
Do you need advice on a work issue? For Jeremy’s and readers’ help, send a brief email to dear.jeremy@theguardian.com. Please note that he is unable to answer questions of a legal nature or to reply personally.
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