March 30, 2009, 2:29 PM — Ask an IT Leader
Mark O'Gara, vice president of infrastructure management at Highmark Inc. discusses dealing with the boss.
Q. I've been in a new job for about five months. When I arrived, I mentioned some things to my boss's boss that I had noticed could be done better, making us more efficient or saving us money. He was thrilled. Since then, though, I've had the feeling that my boss is freezing me out, giving me routine and boring assignments. I think he figures I made him look bad. I realize now I should have handled things differently, but that doesn't help me now. How can I make amends and set things right?
A. Transitioning into a new organization is never easy. What appear to be quick and easy fixes to long-standing problems are usually much more difficult to resolve than you realize. Sit down with your boss and have a frank discussion on your comments to his boss. Chances are that the problems you mentioned to your boss's boss are known within the organization. Next, I would clarify your roles and responsibilities to ensure you have alignment with your boss. Remember: Your job is to make your boss look good!
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