Community Chat

[Sweetbay magnolia]

I've worked at my current company for 14 years - we now have a "new guy" who seems to want to shake up the staus quo, even though he admits this is just an interim gig, while he sorts out options (he ran his own business until recently, when economic changes made that less than feasible).  He told me he was in the throes of a "mid-life crisis".

The problem is, he doesn't understand our business, so mostly we (the "regulars") find his suggestions to be un-helpful, but he keeps trying to impose his will, which makes the day-to-day at times difficult.  I ask myself, why?  If you are not going to make this your livelihood, why can't you just go along with the group?  That's how we roll!  (Another sign that he just doesn't "get it".)  There is no pot of gold at the end of the rainbow here; it's just work!

I'm trying to damp down my animosity but it gets to me.  Thoughts?

[Goldengate8361]

Some people are just crazy; some are just plain annoying....and some are both! I suggest taking the high road whenever possible. Stay professional and cordial no matter what. He probably will not last there; he will implode at some point. Time is on your side. Hang in there.

[Shanus]

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@Sweetbay magnolia wrote:

I've worked at my current company for 14 years - we now have a "new guy" who seems to want to shake up the staus quo, even though he admits this is just an interim gig, while he sorts out options (he ran his own business until recently, when economic changes made that less than feasible).  He told me he was in the throes of a "mid-life crisis".

The problem is, he doesn't understand our business, so mostly we (the "regulars") find his suggestions to be un-helpful, but he keeps trying to impose his will, which makes the day-to-day at times difficult.  I ask myself, why?  If you are not going to make this your livelihood, why can't you just go along with the group?  That's how we roll!  (Another sign that he just doesn't "get it".)  There is no pot of gold at the end of the rainbow here; it's just work!

I'm trying to damp down my animosity but it gets to me.  Thoughts?

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@Sweetbay magnolia  Any thoughts from the others at the water cooler? Is this “new guy” your superior or an equal? Think my reply would be different depending on his status.

[drizzellla]

You nailed it with "he ran his own business until recently". He is used to being his own boss and running the show all by himself.

It will probably take awhile for him to adjust to the fact this isn't his show anymore. If he ever gets used to that fact. And the regulars are the ones who have to deal with his transition. I suspect he will need to adjust and pick up on the fact that your company has it's own way of doing things. 

I would contiue doing my job as I always have and let him suggest away but ignore them. He isn't your boss.

[Sweetbay magnolia]

I would call him an "equal" but with no experience nor, clearly, seniority, @Shanus.

[Sweetbay magnolia]

Bang, @drizzellla!  You just nailed it.  That's what I thought I would do.  The "bosses" have lots more going on than this, and I think they just hope we will work it out.  Petty complaints to them about this will fall flat.

[grandma r]

It's difficult when someone new comes in and wants to change everything.  Is he in management?  If so, that can be tricky.  If not, just continue to do your job, be professional, and don't engage in gossip.  You never know the whole story.  Sounds like he is used to being in charge, so just being one of the team may be foreign to him.

[Shanus]

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@Sweetbay magnolia wrote:

I would call him an "equal" but with no experience nor, clearly, seniority, @Shanus.

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@Sweetbay magnolia. Hmmmm. I think you’re probably not the only one annoyed. Try not to be the ring leader in any confrontations. I’d do your work & have as little to do w/ him as possible. Time will tell if his mid-life crisis takes him to another job. (😁)

[Sweetbay magnolia]

Well, @Shanus, the confrontation thing is already out the window!  

An you are right, I am not the only one annoyed.  He doesn't seem to see that I do have some influence, even though it appears he views us as a bunch of rubes.

[Sweetbay magnolia]

Yes, @grandma r, he does need to learn to be a team player, and no, he is not in "management", thought it appears he thinks he should be.  This is a family-run (though fairly large) company and truly, the owners and the long-timers are what make it run.  Not that new ideas are not welcome, but with discretion and credibility.