worth it to take promotion under bad manager?

[Anonymous]

I'm a fed and have an opportunity for a promotion to my first managerial role. However, the promotion would mean that I work directly under a senior manager who is not that competent. I am already under this manager now, so to an extent I know what I'm getting into. But taking a step up would mean putting myself in the hot seat to cover for her inability to manage her programs. Plus, spending a significant part of my day responding to her random, frantic requests. As much as I like the thought of being able to take more of a leadership role in my office (plus grade and salary increase), I'm afraid I'm going to end up hating it.

Anyone have a similar situation?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm a fed and have an opportunity for a promotion to my first managerial role. However, the promotion would mean that I work directly under a senior manager who is not that competent. I am already under this manager now, so to an extent I know what I'm getting into. But taking a step up would mean putting myself in the hot seat to cover for her inability to manage her programs. Plus, spending a significant part of my day responding to her random, frantic requests. As much as I like the thought of being able to take more of a leadership role in my office (plus grade and salary increase), I'm afraid I'm going to end up hating it.

Anyone have a similar situation?

Not a fed, but from a private sector perspective, stay the hell away from a bad boss. There will be other opportunities.

[Anonymous]

In the gov, another opportunity isn't guaranteed or even likely. I'd take the promotion and work on latering out a year later.

[Anonymous]

Eek-- a bad manager can be incredibly stifling, frustrating, and limiting to your future career growth. I'm not a fed, but rather another private sector person.
I have a manager now whom I like personally but whose management style is very wrong for my 'career personality'. It's very frustrating and I will never look good (and therefore, get a promotion) because I am unable to really use my talents or skills.

[Anonymous]

I think it's worth doing for a year and then leaving for something else.