On a coffee chat with boss’ boss, I was asked about my interest in boss role

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would send a follow up email. "Enjoyed meeting you. Question admittedly caught me off guard. I love boss and think he's fantastic, but I would definitely be interested in advancing to a similar role if one became available."

This exactly. OP, you're fine. Don't worry about the trolls.

Agreed. You did fine. Follow up with the email like others suggested. I admire you for crediting your current boss. It speaks well of you.

[Anonymous]

God I’m glad I work in govt even with our messed up system

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You messed up.

You didn’t think fast enough. Could be lots of positive reasons or opps for you.

You chose loyalty and flattery to your direct boss. Plus you put yourself down.

I assume you’re female .

No make in the history of the world would have only said this and not followed up with asking for the sale and rooting one’s horn.

[Anonymous]

No male

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here— I am in my late 30s. Yes, it was embarassing. I totally thought it was just a get to know you chat. Bug boss basically got up and said he is running late for his next meeting… we were there less than 30 minutes.

20+ mins is long for a coffee chat.

You can try to do damage control via emails but I think you showed your true colors that you don’t want more responsibilities and to move up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here— thanks again guys. Just really caught me off guard and felt protective of my boss (which I have a very good relationship with). If it were my boss who asked, it would have been a different story. Big boss has a reputation for being a bit of a bulldog, and I always felt that my manager protected me a bit/shielded me from that.

We learn from experience, right?

I did send the thank you email.

Ok…..

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op here: big boss responded saying it was nice to get to know me.

im forgiving myself because honestly i was undercaffeinated at 7:30 in the morning, i had just gotten in and my boss walks in to tell me to meet big boss in the lobby for a coffee chat. No context. No idea on timeframe. And we walked to a really far coffee shop (when we could have just gone to several nearer ones) Anyhooooo, i treated myself to a good sushi dinner and a pint of ice cream, and tempura and yaki soba for the kids. The occasion? Mom rocked it today and learned alot at work.

All about framing right?

Spruce up your resume. You gave all the wrong signals.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op here: big boss responded saying it was nice to get to know me.

im forgiving myself because honestly i was undercaffeinated at 7:30 in the morning, i had just gotten in and my boss walks in to tell me to meet big boss in the lobby for a coffee chat. No context. No idea on timeframe. And we walked to a really far coffee shop (when we could have just gone to several nearer ones) Anyhooooo, i treated myself to a good sushi dinner and a pint of ice cream, and tempura and yaki soba for the kids. The occasion? Mom rocked it today and learned alot at work.

All about framing right?

Spruce up your resume. You gave all the wrong signals.

Ok. Hit me hard—- You think I will be laid off over this? It is that bad?! (Running for coffee now!)

I told my manager the talk went ok and that big boss asked me about my aspirations. My manager told me that big boss said he enjoyed meeting me and that I was “clearly a rising star”. (Somebody decode that for me!). My manager told me that she was told to have plans for senior directorship for me in place… People are being laid off left and right of me.

[Anonymous]

Start acting and speaking professionally.

Leave your kids, daily coffee breaks and OMGs at the house door.

Give both bosses solid reasons to keep you and prompt you. Get some recommendations and advice ready to give them on the team or product or service.

Sure act like a team player but also like a leader.

Interview prep soon so you’re not a deer in headlights again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op here: big boss responded saying it was nice to get to know me.

im forgiving myself because honestly i was undercaffeinated at 7:30 in the morning, i had just gotten in and my boss walks in to tell me to meet big boss in the lobby for a coffee chat. No context. No idea on timeframe. And we walked to a really far coffee shop (when we could have just gone to several nearer ones) Anyhooooo, i treated myself to a good sushi dinner and a pint of ice cream, and tempura and yaki soba for the kids. The occasion? Mom rocked it today and learned alot at work.

All about framing right?

Spruce up your resume. You gave all the wrong signals.

Ok. Hit me hard—- You think I will be laid off over this? It is that bad?! (Running for coffee now!)

I told my manager the talk went ok and that big boss asked me about my aspirations. My manager told me that big boss said he enjoyed meeting me and that I was “clearly a rising star”. (Somebody decode that for me!). My manager told me that she was told to have plans for senior directorship for me in place… People are being laid off left and right of me.

That’s great- so keep your mouth shut to outsiders , and give them reasons to make that happen.

Nothings a done deal until it happens- esp promotions during layoffs.

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op here: big boss responded saying it was nice to get to know me.

im forgiving myself because honestly i was undercaffeinated at 7:30 in the morning, i had just gotten in and my boss walks in to tell me to meet big boss in the lobby for a coffee chat. No context. No idea on timeframe. And we walked to a really far coffee shop (when we could have just gone to several nearer ones) Anyhooooo, i treated myself to a good sushi dinner and a pint of ice cream, and tempura and yaki soba for the kids. The occasion? Mom rocked it today and learned alot at work.

All about framing right?

Spruce up your resume. You gave all the wrong signals.

Ok. Hit me hard—- You think I will be laid off over this? It is that bad?! (Running for coffee now!)

I told my manager the talk went ok and that big boss asked me about my aspirations. My manager told me that big boss said he enjoyed meeting me and that I was “clearly a rising star”. (Somebody decode that for me!). My manager told me that she was told to have plans for senior directorship for me in place… People are being laid off left and right of me.

It my industry, yes. We have clients and teams to manage plus need to know our industry developments.

Maybe over there it’s different. Or maybe you come across younger than late 30s.