ALT-5 Careers Handling the Revolving Door above you
Have you ever had trouble keeping your boss? Office politics, flukes in the business cycle, and difficult people in upper management or ownership can generate large amounts of turnover in middle and lower management. If you're unlucky enough to work in a department that frequently becomes the sacrificial lamb in offices purges, you've watched bosses come and go. You may even have had to help train them. It can be tough to work in an environment where the supervisor knows their job is always on the line.
Some people in this position act as a shield for their employees and take the heat from above. Others are always looking for scapegoats to carry their blame away. Getting a new boss every few months keeps tension high in the workplace. There is a learning curve that goes along with adapting to a new boss. Learning likes, dislikes, and expectations can take you as long to master as he or she lasts in the position. At that point, you have to start over again.
The best thing to do is to be cooperative and try to help the boss do a good job. Be vigilant to warn the person about potential pitfalls of the department and position. Although you know that you boss will probably either be fired or out run the ax to the door, work to stretch it out as long as you can. You may not be able to keep their job for them, but you can give them some of the keys to making better for longer.
You need to stay acquainted with the person who is immediately above your superior. That way, in transition times, you will be able to get direction to do your job. Keeping a smile on your face helps make the workplace brighter for everyone. If you're interested in the position, make it known along the way to next level manager. Just don't expect to fare better than your predecessors. If you have significant longevity with the company, you might do a very good job and stick with it.
