Anonymous
Post 04/25/2023 11:13     Subject: On a coffee chat with boss’ boss, I was asked about my interest in boss role
Anonymous wrote:You messed up.


As I wrote earlier, I do agree that you messed up this crucial interview.

You could have replied:

I believe that I am learning from the best & I look forward to new challenges.

OR

I believe that my professional development has been has been substantial under [name of current boss] and I look forward to new challenges and further growth.
Anonymous
Post 04/25/2023 11:10     Subject: On a coffee chat with boss’ boss, I was asked about my interest in boss role
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."
Anonymous
Post 04/25/2023 11:07     Subject: On a coffee chat with boss’ boss, I was asked about my interest in boss role
Anonymous wrote:Your current boss definitely know what was going on otherwise you would have gotten an e-mail invite from Big Boss' secretary or soemone other than your boss.

Big boss is clearly busy so them taking time to talk to you should be seen as a big deal. You're not a new hire so after 7 years it's definitely about advancement.

Send a thank you e-mail and express that you were caught off guard by what Big Boss said but that you're definitely interested in advancement if an opportunity exists or arises.


This seems like a really good response.

30 min was a good investment of his time and that he pitched moving up at the end is a positive, OP. He really may have had another meeting. I'd send the email outlined above, I see it all as a positive. Good luck and please keep us posted!
Anonymous
Post 04/25/2023 11:04     Subject: On a coffee chat with boss’ boss, I was asked about my interest in boss role
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."


I think this hits the right note. Good luck, OP!

Anonymous
Post 04/25/2023 10:37     Subject: On a coffee chat with boss’ boss, I was asked about my interest in boss role
Your current boss definitely know what was going on otherwise you would have gotten an e-mail invite from Big Boss' secretary or soemone other than your boss.

Big boss is clearly busy so them taking time to talk to you should be seen as a big deal. You're not a new hire so after 7 years it's definitely about advancement.

Send a thank you e-mail and express that you were caught off guard by what Big Boss said but that you're definitely interested in advancement if an opportunity exists or arises.
Anonymous
Post 04/25/2023 10:28     Subject: Re:On a coffee chat with boss’ boss, I was asked about my interest in boss role
Anonymous wrote:In addition to what others said, it’s clear that whatever is going on, your immediate boss is aware. Otherwise he wouldn’t be telling you about the coffee date.


Agree with this. People seem to think well of you so you may be able to fix this. In the future don’t say anything bad about yourself when you’re complimenting someone else.
Anonymous
Post 04/25/2023 10:18     Subject: On a coffee chat with boss’ boss, I was asked about my interest in boss role
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."
Anonymous
Post 04/25/2023 10:08     Subject: Re:On a coffee chat with boss’ boss, I was asked about my interest in boss role
Anonymous wrote:“Coffee chat” is a cringey term, just like “separate.”

'
Just like cringey
Anonymous
Post 04/25/2023 10:07     Subject: On a coffee chat with boss’ boss, I was asked about my interest in boss role
I wonder if boss’s boss then started a thread “people in [OP’s generation] aren’t interested in professional advancement—turned down promotion”
Anonymous
Post 04/25/2023 10:04     Subject: On a coffee chat with boss’ boss, I was asked about my interest in boss role
I think sending a thank you email can never hurt, so I would do that. Just saying that you appreciate Big Boss' interest in your career and how much you enjoy working for Company X. Not sure if bringing up a desire to learn more/progress is appropriate or not, though given that OP seemed to be saying she was happy where she was when they talked in person.

I find his abrupt ending really odd too, OP. I hope this is just a weird blip and things get back to normal soon.
Anonymous
Post 04/25/2023 09:58     Subject: On a coffee chat with boss’ boss, I was asked about my interest in boss role
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.
Anonymous
Post 04/25/2023 09:38     Subject: On a coffee chat with boss’ boss, I was asked about my interest in boss role
I could see how OP might perceive it as a loyalty test to the organization where the correct response was to support her boss. Big Boss gave no context it sounds like.

Any advice re: next steps?

OP, you are saying he got up and left after you said that? Did he actually say anything else?
Anonymous
Post 04/25/2023 09:34     Subject: On a coffee chat with boss’ boss, I was asked about my interest in boss role
I think there’s no need to be embarrassed unless you really wanted to move up. If you are happy where you are, I would give a hoot. Good luck!
Anonymous
Post 04/25/2023 09:30     Subject: On a coffee chat with boss’ boss, I was asked about my interest in boss role
Any constructive advice for OP as to next steps? Could OP follow up with an email, thank him for his time and echo some of the advice like being happy to consider opportunities that may arise, etc.? What's done is done, can anyone help OP pivot now?

The very abrupt ending is weird to me, OP. Did he respond at all to what you had said? Maybe that would not be a great person to report to. His handling of the meeting was not ideal.

Has your boss said anything afterwards?
Anonymous
Post 04/25/2023 09:19     Subject: Re:On a coffee chat with boss’ boss, I was asked about my interest in boss role
In addition to what others said, it’s clear that whatever is going on, your immediate boss is aware. Otherwise he wouldn’t be telling you about the coffee date.