Would you have said anything?

[rubytue]

My department went out to lunch today. The subject of boss's retirement came up (he wasn't there). Someone said to one coworker that he better brush off his resume, and then everyone chimed in that it has to be him and no one else is qualified or should get it.

I plan to apply. He knows this. We've talked about it, and it's all good between us. I don't think anyone knows there are others interested.

Part of me really wanted to say that there might be others interested and qualified. But instead I just stared at my food. Should I have pointed out that he isn't the only one qualified and interested?

*sigh* And I think it reinforced that even if he and I are good with it, everyone else won't be and would hold it against me if I tried, and even more if I got it.

[Deleted]

No, you did the right thing. No one needs to know until they need to know.

[cjeanette]

Nope, sometimes it is best not to start the gossip mill.

[orangeblossom]

You did the right thing. Go ahead and apply. It may not be as cut and dry as you think as far as the other guy getting the job. Good luck.

[Deleted]

You did the right thing. It just starts gossip to say that someone else might apply. At my last job there was a supervisor slot open and it was well known that 2 people applied and were interviewed. The 3rd person kept it mostly to himself and I think in the end it helped him. He got the job as he was seen as more objective (wasn't trying to buddy up to people to get them on his side) and more professional.

[noodleoo]

When you say "he" knows it and you guys are good, do you mean the other guy applying or the boss? Just curious.

I think you did the right thing even though it sucked. But better to have them find out when you get the job rather than needing to tell them right now.

[rubytue]

I think I mostly just want to whine. Should have used that subject. Because the whole thing made me feel like crap. But I'm probably taking it way too personally. I think I just don't fit in my dept anymore.

Another person complained I never talk to her anymore since I moved from the cube next to her. She's right. I don't talk to her. Because she didn't speak to me for 3 months when we disagreed over something related to an office move.

Bah!

I'll need to work on a thicker skin if this is bugging me so bad.

[rubytue]

Aug 16, 2012 14:51:37 GMT -5 noodleoo said:

When you say "he" knows it and you guys are good, do you mean the other guy applying or the boss? Just curious.

I think you did the right thing even though it sucked. But better to have them find out when you get the job rather than needing to tell them right now.

The other guy. Boss knows, too. I went to him the day after he announced. Asked him to keep it quiet though. I actually planned to not mention it unless specifically asked (except other guy and I have talked, only bc he is also my best office friend, and he first suggested it). If rather just be a surprise candidate. But that was such an ego blow to hear that no one else could possibly be qualified.

[Deleted]

I wouldn't take it personally that they think 'no one else is qualified' - often people have very limited imaginations. If you're really good at what you do or seem happy they just assume that's it. It could be as simple as he said ONE time "I'd like to have that kind of a role" so people got the idea in their heads and now he's it for that reason alone. Or when boss goes away he tends to have the DOA so people figure for that reason he will be the boss.

That's why it's imporant to tell the people who do hiring/promoting that you have ambitions beyond your current role. Which you've done and is all you need to say.

Good luck!

[rubytue]

Operagirl - your a former fed, right? Tell me, what is this management readiness course? I know no one here has taken it. I've done several leadership for non-supervisor courses recently, and I'm working on hitting my conflict management key skill (one course down). I've got 6 months to prep up to have the best package possible.

[rubytue]

Aug 16, 2012 16:34:13 GMT -5 operagirl said:

Aug 16, 2012 15:35:13 GMT -5 rubytue said:

Operagirl - your a former fed, right? Tell me, what is this management readiness course? I know no one here has taken it. I've done several leadership for non-supervisor courses recently, and I'm working on hitting my conflict management key skill (one course down). I've got 6 months to prep up to have the best package possible.

Ruby, It was just something in house when I did this 20 years ago. Now, my agency has a formal program. People compete to get in and are given the initial leadership course. If an Acting Manager detail comes up, those in the cadre are considered first. But this is job specific, not a generic across agency class. I was in Treasury.

I think you should take everything possible for your KSAs. I'd also advise reading some off the shelf management books so you can list that, as well as any skills up courses. A detail,meven for a few weeks, looks good to show you can already do the job. Pm me if you'd like and I'll give you my email.

Thanks! I might PM you at some point. I'm trying to set up a lunch with my former (now retired) SES. We just haven't been able to connect yet. But he is willing to help me however he can. Like I mentioned, there is about 6 months before it will be an issue.

I wish we had a formal program. We are way too tiny. I've been trying to get a detail, but failing. My goal at the moment is to try my best to get the key skills covered through training classes - so at least I can show that. One thing I really dislike about the gov't is you can get training to be a supervisor until you are a supervisor. So its trial by fire in a way.

Depending on how this pans out, I may be looking at Treasury. I have some friends there who have been trying to recruit me, and I keep insisting that I love where I am. And I do. But I'm ready to move out of the technical side and into either policy or management, and I don't have many options. *sigh*

[drloretta]

Ditto Kooshball.

I applied for a promotion in my company without anyone's knowledge but my boss's. He was all for it, and it was a good move for everyone. Some people were surprised, but that was kind of fun seeing their faces.

[jek]

No, I think you did the right thing. Better to keep quiet. Those who need to know will know and anyone else can find out in time.

[rubytue]

Aug 16, 2012 18:43:12 GMT -5 operagirl said:

Ruby, I was technical for 11 years, management for 12 years, then policy for 14. I have to say I liked all three, but not having employees at the end was the best. I was not mobile, so SES or even a 15 was out of my reach. Sounds like you have a great plan. And a nice family, too.

I'm almost exactly 11 years in ;D

[oukapu]

I applied for a management job after being there one year and being asked if I was an intern. I didn't tell anyone and surprised a lot of people when it was announced. Some people were pissed. My new boss knew this and let me know he was happy I got the job. I think it is better to keep things like that to yourself. There is an promotion opportunity here and some people have gotten really weird and cut throat.