Mentoring/Managing Others' Direct Reports

[Anonymous]

I am a senior manager with my own team of direct reports. I also have one counterpart (under my boss) who manages his own team. In addition, my boss has 2 employees who report directly to him but whose work closely aligns with my team. My boss is a horrible manager who offers little, if any, support, feedback, professional development, etc. As a result, I end up functionally managing his 2 direct reports. It takes a lot of my time (for which I am not recognized or compensated) however, it does truly benefit the company and allows the entire team to perform at a higher level.

Last week it was announced that my boss promoted one of his 2 staff members that I essentially manage. I have worked very hard developing this employee over the last year and feel partly responsible for his success. I think the promotion is well deserved but know that it wouldn't have come without my efforts to expand his skill-set, advocate for his involvement in higher level projects, etc.

Now I find myself in a very unhappy, uncomfortable position. I have been passed over for a promotion for the last several years because in the words of my boss, “that would make me equal to him.” In all other regards I do really like my job but am beyond frustrated with the fact that my boss does not recognize me for the tremendous asset I am. I have the full support of all other senior leadership in the company but unfortunately my boss alone holds all the cards for any potential promotion or advancement.

Any thoughts or suggestions from those who have BTDT before? Specific ideas or strategy for dealing with a controlling boss who takes credit for my efforts and refuses to acknowledge my contributions in return? I would really like to stay with the company but this situation cannot continue as is.

[Anonymous]

I'm in a similar situation at work and it's frustrating. Do you think you can outlast your boss to where he will move on to something else? If not, I think you need to consider moving on to something else.

My boss is very much in over her head and it's so frustrating watching her learn on the job. Absolutely no leadership whatsoever.

[Anonymous]

Your boss does recognize what you do. He or she recognizes that without you doing all the work it would be in their laps. Are there any other openings in the company you can apply for, or is it strictly a system of moving up in the ranks? The only other thing you can do is stop covering for your boss's bad management skills, which may be difficult to do without repercussions.