Submitted by vxl119 on
in
Forums
I'm in the process of transitioning to a new project inside my organization. I'd like your input on what issues I need to discuss with my future boss.
This is an engineering project in the process of being staffed. Part of my boss's team is likely to be in India. I will be managing 1-2 individual contributors as a first-time manager. I will be transitioning over the next couple of months from my current project -- initially I will work part-time on both projects.
Here's what I currently have on my list to discuss with the future boss.
1. My intention to take a leadership role on the project and my goal of moving along the management career track.
2. My boss's team structure and communication strategy. I will request weekly one-on-ones for myself.
3. Relevant information/decisions/meetings I need to be involved in before joining the project full-time.
4. Who will be my direct reports (if known).
communication during intra-company transition
1- While it is appropriate to put yourself on a management career track, it is not appropriate AT THIS TIME to discuss that with your future boss. If you do the project(s) well, management of the company will decide that.
2- You would be wise to write down whatever it is that the boss wants, then work as hard as you can to accomplish that goal. DO NOT ASK FOR ONE ON ONES. Report up, in writing, on a regular basis (at least weekly, if not more).
3- Your boss should give the scope and resources for the project, your job then, would be to manage the project.
4- If they don't specifically say that you will have directs, don't assume it. Again, let your leader give you the expectations, or, if they don't, ask.
Mostly, discuss with your future boss what his goals are for these projects, and what resources are available for accomplishing those goals.
This is the approach I would take, based on MT knowledge and my own experience. Your results may vary.
communication during intra-company transition
Listen to the podcasts "Better Internal Relations" from November 27, 2006 and December 4, 2006. The ideas there will provide a useful mindset (although you probably can't fully adopt given your partial mandate).
Make the meetings less about you and more about the project. Focus on the goals of the project and how you can help acheive them.
John
communication during intra-company transition
Regarding lazarus's comment:
[quote]1- While it is appropriate to put yourself on a management career track, it is not appropriate AT THIS TIME to discuss that with your future boss. If you do the project(s) well, management of the company will decide that. [/quote]
My company has 2 tracks -- technical and management. The default management assumption is that everyone likes status quo and wants to hold on to their technical role. Management roles are treated as if that's something no one wants and such roles don't do any "real work". Hence, I feel I must open up a dialog about my career goals in order to go where I want to go. Anyone agree?
Setting such expectations up front would clear up mis-understandings later. Also, I am switching to the new project largely because of my own initiative. If my role doesn't satisfy me, I still have time to back out.
communication during intra-company transition
If you want to manage, ask to manage. Don't live your life according to someone else's time table.