I can appreciate that a lot of older managers are only here because they're waiting to retire. After all, there are plenty of employees who're doing the same thing. What I can't appreciate is their complete disinterest in doing their jobs. If an issue arises, they just rather sweep it under the rug than deal with it. This might work well for them but it screws me over constantly. Guys, I understand you not wanting to give it your all, but for the sake of those of us who're stuck here, can you please at least do the bare minimum?
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Older managers here? I have worked for this company for 15 years in two different organizations. I have yet to report to a manager who has stayed in the same position for more than 18 months. Most of the managers I have reported to have been good, hard-working people, but leave just about the time they really learn their job. Just like everyone else here, they get minimal raises and some move on to other management positions within Honeywell. Mostly though, they get riffed or move on to greener pastures elsewhere.
At my SBG, no decisions are made below the Sr. Director level and most are made by VPs. Managers exist only to execute the will of those above and to give the worker bees someone to interface with so they don't bother the actual decision makers. Managers are powerless to do much except recommend people for the next RIF.
“but for the sake of those of us who're stuck here, “
Been there, did that. These folks don’t give a rip about you and your sake. These folks are numb inside. Your only real play is to make them feel wanted to entice them back from lala land long enough to do what you need. But be careful, rank managers despise Leadership From Below - makes them look bad.
“can you please at least do the bare minimum?”
Here’s what they’re thinking, “I am doing the bare minimum because they haven’t fired me yet. Let’s see how low this can go. I like not having to work like a dog.”
I did notice that early on. When I was with HON for short time, I was mainly working/collaborating with folks who were 2-levels up from my manager. But at the end of the day, it’s the manager, who is supposed to push your candidature for promotion and growth. It didn’t work out for me so I left.
Waaaa somebody took my cheese
Actually, they are doing exactly what they are empowered to do...nothing. They may have a budget on paper but woe to the poor fool who actually spends it to get something done. This has nothing to do with age, though the young ones are more likely to move on after realizing they're talking to the hand.
Sounds like the OP has way too much to time their hands to sit back and eval the performance of others. Take the initiative and escalate to the next level of management. I'll warn you though, complaining about your boss to the next level boss is a great way to get yourself PIP'd/RIF'd. Better yet, go someplace else.
Victim Complex: One who desires the feeling of being a martyr for their own sake, seeking out suffering or persecution because it either feeds a physical need or a desire to avoid responsibility.
Once an issue arises, here are the Options.
- Congratulations, you now have a greenbelt project!
- Change metric to expose flaw in design or process = Operation better outsourced to a lower cost region!!
- Escalate to ask for help in function = No resources will be allocated due to stretch goal in the line of business!!!