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The individual who is likely to be my new manager in the next few months has had the first "where do you want to go?" conversation with me.  In casual conversation he offered to help should I want to either leave the team and do something else in the company or find a job as an external consultant (I basically act as an internal consultant now). 

I'm no longer enthusiastic about the team I'm in.  I'm a long time my current company (approx. 10 years) and doing something else here appealing.  Equally appealing would be to go external. 

Do I tell the truth or is this like signing my own death warrant?   At this point I'm giving the company line - interested in growing in this area and expanding my management responsibilites. 

I've always worked to truly help my directs to get where they want to do.  However, not sure if I should trust others to do the same.

Thanks.

JonathanGiglio's picture
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 The question you want to ask yourself is - "Do I want to work for someone I can't be honest with?"

I am not suggesting to be blatant and negative, however every individual has goals and desires for professional growth and your new manager is not blind to your career. His offer of help should be taken at face value and I would consider working with him to position yourself in the next stage of your career. And if he were trying to bait you into wanting to leave, this is not someone you want to be working for in the long run anyway.

No one is a permanent asset to any team and your new manager does not expect this from you.

Just remember to stay positive about your current team as well as for opportunities that may arise. And make sure to phrase advancement as something YOU want to do, not something the team has forced you to do. It is unprofessional to be put down your team and does not endear you to anyone.

Good luck.

 

MsSunshine's picture

I'm curious about a few things before I could give you my thoughts.

What kind of relationship do you have with this person?  You said "a person who is likely to be my new manager" had this "casual conversation".  I'd infer that it is a close one from his offer.  Is this person someone you consider a mentor?  You didn't say you were in a mentoring relationship with the person but are you?  (That would imply a level of trust and some knowledge already about what you want for your career.)

Is there something that led up to him thinking that you might be interested in a new job in the company or leaving?  Did you bring it up?

I guess why I'm asking is that it seems odd that someone would offer to help you change jobs in a casual conversation unless they thought you were unhappy, your position is going away, etc.

jhack's picture

You should discuss what you want to do in terms of skills and responsibilities.  Don't talk in terms of which group or which company.  Once you have clarity on what role would best leverage your skills and interests, THEN you can go about identifying which group might best be a fit. 

You also avoid the the awkward conversation until such time as it might be relevant. 

John Hack

mjpeterson's picture

He may have a very good and general interest in helping you out.  However, If someone, who is not my manager, asked me that question and offered to help me change roles either internally or externally, I would really wonder what his agenda is?  Does he want to open up a position in his new group that he could fill with his right hand man (or woman).  Is he concerend about the changes to your relationship, after you become his direct?  Any chance he has heard some negative things about you, and wants to clean house. 

Depending upon how strong your relationship is, I may share more of my hopes and aspirations, albeit in small increments. 

zurs3c's picture

Thanks for all your feedback so far.

This individual is about 50% likely to become my manager in a potential reorg.   I'd say we have a good working relationship, but not sure how fully I trust his the motive of his +1 boss whom takes it personally when I differ in opinion.  (One of those 'career is warfare' types who's out to destroy the personal brands of those who disagree with him). 

At this point, it's only casual conversation.  I like the advice to talk in broad terms and small increments what I'd like to do next.

 

zurs3c's picture

Thanks for all your feedback so far.

This individual is about 50% likely to become my manager in a potential reorg.   I'd say we have a good working relationship, but not sure how fully I trust his the motive of his +1 boss whom takes it personally when I differ in opinion.  (One of those 'career is warfare' types who's out to destroy the personal brands of those who disagree with him). 

At this point, it's only casual conversation.  I like the advice to talk in broad terms and small increments what I'd like to do next.