Job related advice needed-Poll inside

[z1ggy]

I will try to sum this up quick.

I got nominated by one of the directors of engineering at my job to take part of a rare event where myself and one other engineer research fringe technology, write a paper then present our findings to the executives. This program lasts 3.5 months, but will require I leave my current department. My problem is, I just switched to this new department in the beginning of August. My current supervisor and manager hinted to me that they don't want me to do this. I don't blame them, because I am still new to the department, and have a lot of learning to still do. However, this event I have been nominated for is VERY rare ( only 2 people get to do it, per year) and I know it will give me a lot of networking experience and meeting people I might not have otherwise. Basically I need to choose between possibly pissing off my manager ( which could affect my career for the worse) and doing this project, or keep my boss and his boss happy, but risk losing valuable networking and maybe even making myself look bad in the eyes of the director ( my boss's boss's boss ). What would you do?

 

[twinrider1]

Take it. Your boss and manager are thinking of their own needs. You need to do the same. Also, you don't want to be labeled as someone that isn't looking to improve/move up.

 

[FoBoT]

if you are worried about sucking up, then suck up to the director, i.e. take the nomination thing

 

[z1ggy]

My biggest concern is being viewed as somebody who isn't a team player or cares about the group. Seeing as I tried so hard and sold myself to get moved into this group.. and now only after 1 month of being with them, I want to leave the group temporarily for 3.5 months...it probably viewed like a big " F you" to them..At least manager and supervisor. The manager is the guy who gives raises and promotions. Id hate to get boned over for the next few years by him just b/c he's a dick and holds grudges.

 

[Specop 007]

Your director obviously is aware of who you are. I would jump at the opportunity. You need to play chess, not checkers.

 

[gophins72]

who nominated you? it's weird if your manager/supervisor nominated you and then told you not to take it. how does the nomination work?

However, this event I have been nominated for is VERY rare ( only 2 people get to do it, per year) and I know it will give me a lot of networking experience and meeting people I might not have otherwise. Basically I need to choose between possibly pissing off my manager ( which could affect my career for the worse) and doing this project, or keep my boss and his boss happy, but risk losing valuable networking and maybe even making myself look bad in the eyes of the director ( my boss's boss's boss ).

can you get a new manager/supervisor? i never want to work for someone whose goals and priorities are not aligned with my own. this is a big indicator of that, they should see how big this is for you.

 

[AreaCode707]

Are you at MS? That sounds a lot like one of their annual procedures but not sure if they still do it since Bill G quit.

I would go have a discussion with your manager about your concerns, but do it like they are YOUR concerns, not your manager's. Do it like you need advice.

"Gee bossman, I am REALLY excited about this opportunity and I have tons of great ideas and it seems like a dream come true to be nominated, but I have to admit I'm a little conflicted because I love my current department just so goshdarn much and, being new, I worry that I haven't yet had a chance to contribute as much as my teammates and here I'd be pulling back from my regular job for a while.

"I'm just concerned that I might be perceived as using the department as a stepping stone and not pulling my weight, when the reality is that this is exactly where I want to be for the next several years. I don't want to snub the execs, pass up this cool opportunity, or miss the chance to contribute this extra stuff to the company, but I also don't want my teammates or you thinking poorly of me for not doing the job you hired me to do! What do you think?"

If necessary, repeat the conversation with the director, again as though they are entirely your concerns and not your manager's.

 

[AreaCode707]

<snip> accidental double post.

 

[Imp]

My biggest concern is being viewed as somebody who isn't a team player or cares about the group. Seeing as I tried so hard and sold myself to get moved into this group.. and now only after 1 month of being with them, I want to leave the group temporarily for 3.5 months...it probably viewed like a big " F you" to them..At least manager and supervisor. The manager is the guy who gives raises and promotions. Id hate to get boned over for the next few years by him just b/c he's a dick and holds grudges.

Bullshit. Not being seen as a "team player"?

Your department boss/manager would fire you in a second if their jobs were on the line, or for whatever reason. They're worried about themselves. As long as you don't blatantly and deliberately eff over your team/group, keep your chin up.

Go impress the higher ups and do whats best for you.

 

[Leros]

It sounds like you're a very desirable employee. Your manager probably put some effort into getting you on his team. I can't blame him for wanting you to not leave.

That said, do what serves your interests while keeping as good as you can with your current manager.

 

[z1ggy]

Are you at MS? That sounds a lot like one of their annual procedures but not sure if they still do it since Bill G quit.

I would go have a discussion with your manager about your concerns, but do it like they are YOUR concerns, not your manager's. Do it like you need advice.

"Gee bossman, I am REALLY excited about this opportunity and I have tons of great ideas and it seems like a dream come true to be nominated, but I have to admit I'm a little conflicted because I love my current department just so goshdarn much and, being new, I worry that I haven't yet had a chance to contribute as much as my teammates and here I'd be pulling back from my regular job for a while.

"I'm just concerned that I might be perceived as using the department as a stepping stone and not pulling my weight, when the reality is that this is exactly where I want to be for the next several years. I don't want to snub the execs, pass up this cool opportunity, or miss the chance to contribute this extra stuff to the company, but I also don't want my teammates or you thinking poorly of me for not doing the job you hired me to do! What do you think?"

If necessary, repeat the conversation with the director, again as though they are entirely your concerns and not your manager's.

No I don't work for MS, I work for General Dynamics. But yeah I am going to ask to sit down w/ my manager and supervisor to tell them my concerns and if possible, talk to my director. According to the poll.. everybody is thinking about the same thing I am. And hey..it's not my fault that this opportunity came when it did. It's just an unfortunate coincidence that I was nominated shortly after joining the group. Plus, my research can further grow the team in the years in the future. My direct supervisor is just upset b/c quote.."We just got you and likes now.. hey.. now he's leaving??!"

 

[AreaCode707]

No I don't work for MS, I work for General Dynamics. But yeah I am going to ask to sit down w/ my manager and supervisor to tell them my concerns and if possible, talk to my director. According to the poll.. everybody is thinking about the same thing I am. And hey..it's not my fault that this opportunity came when it did. It's just an unfortunate coincidence that I was nominated shortly after joining the group. Plus, my research can further grow the team in the years in the future. My direct supervisor is just upset b/c quote.."We just got you and likes now.. hey.. now he's leaving??!"

A good manager is interested in both your development and the development of the company. If this guy would stand in the way of you contributing to an initiative like this, he's not a manager you want to be under for a long time anyway. If he wouldn't stand in your way, you are safe to do the assignment.