Confused by new role - WWYD?
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Anonymous
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I just started a new role a few weeks ago, in the C-suite of a regional healthcare organization. I have an MBA and was hired to do a combination of project management and strategy implementation. I report to the CEO.
Since I started I am being treated more like an EA than the job I was hired to do (drafting letters, printing PowerPoints, spearheading communications, getting his signature). While there is a lot for me to do that relates to what I was hired for, I’m asked much more frequently to do these kinds of tasks. It doesn’t help that I occupy the desk formerly occupied by his EA; strangers naturally think I am the new EA. Does it matter? Do I just do what I’m asked to do, or should I ask for clarification on my role (the job description is very general)? I’m making more money than I ever have but I don’t want to be relegated to administrative type roles - I also would like to be an executive one day. WWYD? |
Anonymous
| This is OP and I should add: the CEO regularly complains about his EA (as do others in the office). |
Anonymous
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why dont you have a conversation about it with the CEO? There's a way to do this professionally and tactfully. If you can't communicate your confusion and navigate ambiguities like this, I'm not sure you should be in a C-suite role....
Good luck. |
Anonymous
| What is your title? |
Anonymous
I guess I am looking for advice on what to say, and whether it’s even appropriate for me to bring up. After all, he is asking me to do these things, so obviously he thinks it’s appropriate. I don’t want to make waves, but I want to make sure I’m growing professionally. |
Anonymous
My full title is pretty specific so won’t list it here but I am a manager. |
Anonymous
So not C-level? Did you not mean to imply that in your op? |
Anonymous
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In my Fortune 500, there is a role for non-EAs that is similar to what you describe. The job title is business manager and our CEO was one once. Tread carefully and do not imply any duties are beneath you. See if anyone else has a similar parallel role. Ask HR if anyone has a job like yours. Are you interfacing with C-Suite execs when performing these tasks?
If you are under 30, part of your tasks may be related to your youth. Use your EQ, not your IQ, to figure this out. |
Anonymous
I work in the C-suite as a manager. I’m sorry I wasn’t clear (I was not intending to mislead). |
Anonymous
| Are you a woman? |
Anonymous
I interface with C-level executives (and senior VPs) across the system and work directly with them. I attend leadership meetings across a suite of disciplines within the system. I would never imply or suggest that I am above any task - I am here to advance the mission. I am in my late thirties and maybe look early thirties, but definitely don’t come across as “young” or inexperienced (because I’m not). I’m very polished. |
Anonymous
Yes. |
Anonymous
Ok that makes a difference. That said yes to echo PP you should still address it with your CEO since he's your manager. What do you say ? "Hi I feel like my current scope/projects do not align with the job description I thought I was hired for/I'm concerned about my career growth based on current trajectory of projects/I'd like to explore projects more in line with [insert your job description/whatever you actually want to do]." There are so many ways to do OP. Please don't overthink this. You won't make it to C-suite if you are anxious about directly and professionally addressing your current situations. |
Anonymous
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Is this a small company? I don't understand the titling. The C suite reporting to the CEO at large companies are usually Chief XYZ....
Are you a glorified Cheif of Staff essentially? |
Anonymous
Well, there you go. |