Temporary Role etiquette

L[Deactivated] on 09/01/2017 - 19:58
Last edited 12/01/2017 - 20:06

Hi all, long time listener first time caller.

I currently work as a manager of a small department, my current boss will be on leave for 5 weeks and I am stepping up into her role. I will move into her office for the duration of her leave. The problem I have, is that her office is covered in photos, of her friends and there is lots of holiday memrobilia everywhere. To be honest, I really want her role permanently and i think that I am better at it than her.

I want to do big changes in the department so execs notice over this 5 week period. My question here is, can I take down all her photos and hide the memrobilia, to make the office mine. I was thinking about putting up my own stuff as well. I don't want her glaring down on me from all the photos..

Update
After a meeting with senior management today I had some excellent support for my ideas. A walk around the office has highlighted the poor image the company is purveying. Thus an office wide cleanup will be conducted. Especially targetting excessive photos!

On a final note. I would have to say, that you have to say true to yourself, otherwise you are just another grain of sand in a beach of people.

If I may finish with another quote:
Bravery and stupidity are the same thing, it's the outcome that determines the label…

We will see in a few months

Education & Work

closed Comments

      • brokenglish on 11/01/2017 - 22:31
        +1

        They could be the same person…

        • iSamurai on 11/01/2017 - 22:32
          +1

          That's exactly what I was thinking haha!

  • CandyMan on 10/01/2017 - 21:38

    If your boss is acting and you're thinking of going for the job you must achieve something to showcase in the interview.

    Do something your boss has been resistive to or hasnt had time to complete/achieve that management want to see done. That way you will be in the good books of everyone. If you dont get her job, you could be in line for the next.

    You're only acting so you're not authorised to make any changes. Just day to day management probably with someone micromanaging you. So enjoy it and make the most out of it. If you make any big mistakes good luck getting a second chance.

  • Seiko on 10/01/2017 - 22:45
    +5

    Every time the op posts I think of Dwight Schrute.

  • cantstanzya on 10/01/2017 - 22:46
    +2

    OP the one post wonder…
    Soon to be disabled user? Only time will tell.

    • PJC on 11/01/2017 - 00:19
      +1

      There have been a few of those recently …

      • Skramit on 11/01/2017 - 09:40
        +1

        Trolling OzB has become a bit of an art form. There's been heaps of threads recently. But it's fairly easy to do given the type of users on here who are very much of a common sense mindset. So anything outside of common sense is bait….

  • StewBalls on 10/01/2017 - 23:33
    +4

    LOL, office politics at it's finest…

    You'll wanna hope she's not on OzB! :P

  • PJC on 11/01/2017 - 00:26
    +5

    I can't resist suggesting this to OP …
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/286921

    • xoom on 11/01/2017 - 00:31
      +1

      Was thinking the same thing. Lol

  • AlanHB on 11/01/2017 - 01:28

    Hi OP, congrats on getting the acting role.

    It's awesome that you have big plans, but I highly recommend learning how to do the job before raising any issues. On average I find a new role takes 3 months to "learn", and 6-8 months to get good at. If you have a proper grasp on what the role requires, your first day should involve an overload of information rather than worrying about someone else's photo.

    If you'd like to show the bosses that you're good at the role, learn how it's done, and then do it. Any suggested changes for process will only be taken seriously after you've proven you can do the job first.

    In your case, the only opportunity that you can (or should) take to propose changes is upon the end of your position. Thank your bosses for the opportunity and offer a simple suggestion to make things better, demonstrate that you've learnt something.

    As for the photos, if you don't raise them as an issue and are able to do the job, you'll demonstrate that you can do the job without raising trivial issues.

  • Lockieasy on 11/01/2017 - 01:42
    +11

    Put the photos and memorabilia in a bin, place the bin in the middle of the office and light it on fire to assert dominance.

    You'll get that job in no time.

    • solar eclipse on 11/01/2017 - 08:47
      +1

      This! One up vote isn't enough for comments like this.

    • poppit88 on 12/01/2017 - 00:41
      +1

      Lockief, I know we are supposed to be nice and sensible on the forum. But I am rolling round my lounge room in fits of laughter. I've had a crap day at work today. You've cheered me up no end. Thank you :-)

  • Godric on 11/01/2017 - 07:24
    +5

    Replace all photos with Nicholas Cage

    • YaBigGoose on 11/01/2017 - 15:33

      Replace all workers with Nicolas Cage.

      • airzone on 12/01/2017 - 12:32
        +1

        You only need to replace the face.

        • John Kimble on 12/01/2017 - 12:50

          Or Steve Buscemi eyes?!

  • Sxio on 11/01/2017 - 07:45

    Think about what your bosses, bosses want.

    Most likely it's someone who will keep everything running smoothly and not give then more work to do.

    That would be my goal in your situation. Making changes etc will disrupt things and require their input and decision making, increasing their workload. Making it unlikely that they'll be looking on you favourably for what you are doing.

    But that's just my 5c. Good luck!

  • CLoSeR on 11/01/2017 - 09:07

    No, it's just a secondment for 5 weeks. Happens all the time in govt roles, don't make any changes to her office.

  • Mumbles on 11/01/2017 - 09:12
    +2

    5 weeks is only 25 working days. There's absolutely no way to change office culture in that time and definitely hard to prove whether it was a success.

    When the boss returns how will you respond when she asks to be updated on what's been happening? I banned personal photos and memorabilia around the office and staff have been more difficult to motivate.

    The thinking is really interesting. OP wants to be noticed by executives but at the cost of causing long term disruption, alienating subordinates and making an enemy of the current manager. That's a huge gamble for just 25 days where the current manager can just reverse all the decisions before you see any of the outcomes.

  • k-rokfm on 11/01/2017 - 09:18
    +2

    Considering all the negative posts from OP about how unprofessional the organisation is from top down and how it doesn't match his personal idea of professionalism maybe its time for the OP to start applying for new jobs in companies that would love his enthusiasm and professionalism and let this unprofessional company go.

    • itbargainhunter on 11/01/2017 - 12:04

      He probably will soon as he will be pissing off his own boss who most likely give him his appraisal.

  • cyrax83 on 11/01/2017 - 09:26
    +2

    5 weeks just keep the seat warm buddy and stop showing off. If you were in my company everyone would be talking about you in a bad way. You are there temporarily.

  • Hirolol on 11/01/2017 - 10:00

    In before OP gets fired for wasting time worrying about the photos instead of working hahaha

  • serideth on 11/01/2017 - 10:21
    +1

    You could just not use the office. What's wrong with sitting at your usual desk.

    If there are clients coming in then move to a meeting room or something.

  • bocca on 11/01/2017 - 10:54
    +3

    The trolling is strong with BZBoss

    • Bargainkappa on 11/01/2017 - 11:10
      +3

      This is hilarious. This near same scenario which happened at my work. A manager went on leave and someone was seconded to the role for a few weeks. They are real ambitious climber who was not shy about showing it. They made the office their own, took photos down and didn't put them back up.

      • Omitsukasa on 11/01/2017 - 11:33

        What happened to him?

        • Bargainkappa on 11/01/2017 - 12:00
          +3

          Nothing, he went back to his normal role. I am sure he has his eye on further progressing his career.

          No one likes him anyway, so that didn't change. It does seem like higher up he is liked as he does things that they want without question. Even if they are very unpopular with all the staff. I am sure he will be a CEO soon.

        • StewBalls on 13/01/2017 - 14:37
          +1

          @Bargainkappa: The shit always floats to the top…

  • ZzRice007 on 11/01/2017 - 11:35
    +4

    To be a boss you need to understand the importance of being a team player.. Unfortunately this might take you a while.

  • itbargainhunter on 11/01/2017 - 12:02

    OP must have material and a perfect plan to "professional assassin" his/her boss.
    I think OP should also inform his/her sub-ordinate to take his/her current desk to show such confidence!

    Seriously, keep your aggression and silliness under the boot, OP.
    There are LOTS for you to learn regarding office politics.

  • Finde on 11/01/2017 - 12:29
    +8

    Ran out of negs. /sad

  • John Kimble on 11/01/2017 - 13:24
    +4

    Hi all, long time listener first time caller.

    Doesn't seem like you are currently doing much listening after calling. All your responses to the comments come across as quite aggressive/combative/argumentative and without much tact. Perhaps it's a cultural thing or it is being lost in the medium, but if you treat your colleagues the same way you are treating everyone here, then I cannot see how you would be very popular/successful in your workplace.

    • [Deactivated] on 11/01/2017 - 13:29
      -5

      Interesting that you say my responses are aggressive, have you read the other 170 comments?

      • John Kimble on 11/01/2017 - 13:36
        +2

        I have actually, with the exception of the ones that the moderators have removed, most are just responding to your question in a reasonable tone and almost all have the same message. A handful might be borderline, but you will always get that in this environment.

        I might have been harsh; let me change it to "A lot All of your responses to the comments come across as quite aggressive/combative/argumentative…"

    • cuteseal on 12/01/2017 - 10:35
      +1

      Agreed.. why bother posting in a public forum and asking for advice when OP is clearly not willing to listen?

  • zota on 11/01/2017 - 13:29
    +8

    I hope OP will provide us with an update after the 5 weeks stint. OP sounds like a man/woman on a mission.

    "Look
    If you had
    One shot
    Or one opportunity
    To seize everything you ever wanted
    In one moment
    Would you capture it
    Or just let it slip?"

    All the best to OP.

      • Adz81 on 11/01/2017 - 13:45
        +17

        “Somebody once said that in looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. And if you don’t have the first, the other two will kill you. You think about it; it’s true. If you hire somebody without [integrity], you really want them to be dumb and lazy.”
        ― Warren Buffett

        coughintegritycough

      • xoom on 11/01/2017 - 14:02
        +6

        theres educated well thought out risk taking and theres haphazard risk taking.

        both will reap rewards if it works out.

        but one could result in catastrophe.

        i.e. you end up ostracized by your own colleagues for your 5 week power trip.

      • ZzRice007 on 12/01/2017 - 14:10
        +2

        Mate, what you are trying to do will be so transparent to the superiors and colleagues.

        Trust me ability to work as a harmonious and contributing team member far outweighs ability, unless you're a sole trader.

        Being an acting-manager, doesn't mean you have earned your position. You were next in the line of authority and a quick-fix option for 5 weeks. You have not earned the privileges of having the boss's office. If you proceed with your planned moves, you will more likely lose than gain what you are trying to achieve.

    • iSamurai on 12/01/2017 - 09:34
      +19

      Lose Your Job feat zota and iSamurai

      His role is temporary
      Needs pics gone already
      There's comments on this forum already
      Boss on maternity

      He's furious
      But in the office he'll be there for five weeks only
      What he threw out
      The whole department go so loud

      He opens his mouth
      But the client though it was his spouse
      He's awkward how
      Everybody's trolling now

      The clock's run out
      Time's up, dismissal wow!

  • kazozza on 11/01/2017 - 13:50
    +10

    OP posts on OZB for advice.
    OP not only ignores overwhelming landslide of advice, but actively shakes fist at screen in an "I'll show you!" moment. Like it's really going to make a difference to anyone else on here.
    OP will likely not have a second opportunity to 'step up' again. If OP still has a job to fall back down to Earth on in 5 weeks' time.

    "Grabbing the bull by the horns". Just to clarify - do you mean your own horns, or some other bull-headed CEO to be?
    If the photos are too distracting, go back to your own desk and do your job from there.
    If you do redecorate, avoid red colours and moving objects. Shiny things like 'Best CEO EVA' awards will also be too distracting.

    Seriously dude, leave the office as-is and focus on doing your job. If you want that office, you have to earn it.

    Please let all of us here on OZB know how you went at the end of your power trip. I'll have my popcorn ready.

    Good luck.

    • xoom on 11/01/2017 - 13:59
      +3

      I have the sodas cooling in the fridge.

      • airzone on 12/01/2017 - 12:34

        Does the fridge have the bosses family holiday photos on it?

        • xoom on 12/01/2017 - 12:39

          no. thats for plebs and minions only.

    • syousef on 11/01/2017 - 14:28
      +1

      Wouldn't surprise me if OP is a teenage kid on school holidays having a good chuckle at our reaction.

      • John Kimble on 11/01/2017 - 19:55
        +1

        Is that what kids on school holidays get up to these days? How lame…

  • [Deactivated] on 11/01/2017 - 14:54
    -1

    Just Photoshop your face in place of hers in all the photos. Everyone will be happy.

  • cyrax83 on 11/01/2017 - 15:01

    /waits for damn I was fired post for being cocky and arrogant when all they wanted was a temp

  • Inflow on 11/01/2017 - 15:01
    +1

    definitely trolling.

    • StewBalls on 11/01/2017 - 21:33
      +1

      No troll left behind…

  • clankfan on 11/01/2017 - 15:07
    +2

    i think it's a great idea. You should also get a trash can and a label maker then label the trash can "my career" and take a dump in it once a week with each week's turd piling up on the next.

  • [Deactivated] on 11/01/2017 - 15:55

    pimp mamma will see you soon

  • xcess on 11/01/2017 - 16:44

    Well just ask yourself if you would like it if someone did the same to you ? Either way you might have to keep her around if you dont mind the uncomfortableness

  • apptrack on 11/01/2017 - 16:48

    Put googley eyes on each photo…

  • Shwayne on 11/01/2017 - 16:49
    +10

    Update- all this negativity has given me even more resolve to go ahead with my plan. Just to prove you all wrong that it won't change my relationship with anyone and actually improve it with people higher up.

    Yep, this can only end well.

    • xoom on 11/01/2017 - 17:06
      +5

      can picture it now.

      OP stating productivity will go up 20% by restricting or limiting personal effects on work desks.

      this will have to be effective immediately ofcourse to quantify results.

      a further 10% to 15% by getting everyone to suit up.

      and all subordinates to write a 5 page report every friday to list what they have worked on and how much time was spent on each individual task.

  • Adz81 on 11/01/2017 - 17:18
    +9

    You know that everyone knows you removed:

    "I want to do big changes in the department so execs notice over this 5 week period. My question here is, can I take down all her photos and hide the memrobilia, to make the office mine. I was thinking about putting up my own stuff as well. I don't want her glaring down on me from all the photos."

    From the post, right? It's almost as though you thought it made your original post made you sound like a git.

  • TtiGeR on 11/01/2017 - 18:46

    You might not be fired, but you could be "forced" to resign, e.g. a demotion?

  • MessyG on 11/01/2017 - 19:28
    +2

    Mate I think you should go for it. Do everything you said you want to do. You'll be doing the place a huge favour. Good luck.

    • Click_It on 11/01/2017 - 19:32
      +3

      I'm with you. Complete CHAOS for 5 weeks, maybe fire a few subordinates too.

      • xoom on 11/01/2017 - 19:37
        +4

        Hey got to make an example of one or two minions who dont want to fall in line.

  • jlogic on 11/01/2017 - 19:34
    +7

    Just got told shoosh in the library… These joke threads always have me stitches. Consider me conquered :)

  • gentlecrack on 11/01/2017 - 21:09
    +2

    OP, if you don't mind me asking -

    • How old are you and how old is your boss?
    • How many years have you been working in that firm?
    • How did you get selected to fill her in during her leave?
    • What industry are you working in?
    • What is the average age of the workforce in your office?
  • dbun1 on 11/01/2017 - 22:51

    The head is big with this one. Hopefully it's not too big to pop out of their ass when reality hits.

    If the OP hasn't implemented any big changes while the boss is out on lunch break, then they are already behind the game.

    • xoom on 11/01/2017 - 23:15

      Already behind the 8 ball if not making big changes while boss is getting the morning coffee.

  • poppit88 on 12/01/2017 - 00:15
    +2

    You are there to essentially keep the seat warm. Nothing more and nothing less. I think it is totally inappropriate to move her personal items etc., it's her office. She is the manager. She is simply going on leave for five weeks.

    If you want to be hated by your colleagues - by all means go and make sweeping changes. I can assure you - it is unlikely to be well received.

    My own view is that when you start to act in management roles for these small stints, keep your portfolio afloat, be approachable, don't let the power go to your head. Do not act like you own the role. Act exactly as you are meant to, "Acting." Make sure your little corner of the world ticks over nicely with no hick ups.

    As an aside. Even if I were made a manager of a department tomorrow. There is no way on gods earth that I'd be making sweeping changes on entry. Sit at the desk. Settle in. Get to know your staff and who is who in the zoo. I rather like people gazing for short stints. It makes for interesting viewing. As you make changes, do them in small steps. Most people are resistant to change. So the idea should be to take the people with you on the journey. Make it their journey. And take the 'I' out of it. In every good team there is rarely an 'I' that comes into the equation. It takes every personality type to make a team great.

    Be humble. Hubris will not assist your cause.

    True leadership is exactly that. Leading people. Selling an idea to them. There are very few great leaders today. Which kind of explains why our political systems in the west are in such turmoil!

    My last piece of advice. Try and go through life treading on as few toes as you can. That clerk you give hell to today, might slowly climb the ladder and you find yourselves meeting years later, in another life and they're now YOUR boss.

    Just treat people in the same manner you wish people to treat you.

  • mungicide on 12/01/2017 - 01:20
    +2

    Some overzealous office policies…

    Workers are told that cleaners will inspect their desks each night and throw away anything apart from a monitor, docking station, keyboard, mouse, phone and "one framed picture".

    Clothes are not allowed to be placed on chairs or at desks, but must be put in "designated storage areas".

    Post-it notes are to be removed from your monitor/keyboard at the end of the day.

    Other than workstation identification and first-aid or fire warden signage, nothing is to be placed on workstation dividers, walls or doors at any time.

    Small bags may be stored under work stations during the day or stored in cupboards.

    Food must NOT be eaten at your work station.

    Mobile phone ring tones should be kept at a low volume.

    Workers are also ordered to limit the tone and volume of their voices and the language they use in the office, with Ipods and MP3 players not allowed to be used in the offices.

    As well, in the company’s clubrooms, which are designed for employees to relax and eat lunch, workers are banned from eating food "that emits strong odours".

    There are no microwaves, toasters or sandwich presses in clubrooms, and the fridges are only to be used for the storage of workers’ daily lunch.

    As well, workers using meeting rooms are not allowed to eat food and they are not to be used as offices for individual working.

    http://www.news.com.au/finance/business/how-a-clean-freak-me…

  • Bnjam3 on 12/01/2017 - 07:46

    You think you are better than you boss but still come to ozbargain with this stupid idea? Get a life.

    • xoom on 12/01/2017 - 08:16

      next the op is going to tell scotty he could do a better job running ozb. then starts floating the idea of how he would remodel his office to own the role.

      • StewBalls on 12/01/2017 - 13:08

        Scotty will have to take down all those pictures of jv first…

  • DiscoJango on 12/01/2017 - 08:27
    +1

    typical example of the wrong type of person to promote, which is why OP will not be promoted.

  • [Deactivated] on 12/01/2017 - 09:16

    Your just a greedy little man who thinks he's better than everyone.

    By posting this question, you just proved you'r not better than anyone. If I was your boss, I would manage you out asap.

    Mine, all mine

  • Trying2SaveABuck on 12/01/2017 - 09:45

    You might be better then this person you also might be delusional regardless you clearly are ambitious and there is nothing wrong with that.

    But let the superiors be the judge because no one cares if YOU think you are better it is what the people INCHARGE think so dont change anything you're not suppose too.

  • thierry on 12/01/2017 - 10:18

    interesting and fun read..

    my thoughts..
    1. removing the pictures is petty - for 5 weeks why would you even change desks? sure you can use the office if clients come - but moving is inconvenient and a waste of valuable time.
    2. pick changes that can happen within 5 weeks. Why? employees are less likely to follow your vision if they know you won't be there long term - change takes effort. Secondly, your ideas can be great and really work.. and guess what your best friend will get the credit because the results will show when she is back int the role..

    finally - don't be a d1ck.

  • shaiguy on 12/01/2017 - 11:05
    +6

    To the OP - are you just trolling? You do realize that there are some very senior people who have provided advice to your query.

    Firstly, as mentioned, it is only 5 weeks that the person has gone - it is not very long at all. Say if the person was gone for maternity leave then it would be worthwhile to ask superiors if it is ok to move their things (although likely the person would have already done this). If you want people to respect you, then respect others (including their property first).

    Secondly, those that are successful in work are able to be focused on their task at hand and can accept/ignore distractions. If photos can distract you then anything/anyone else can. It is a poor leadership trait if you cannot demonstrate that you cannot handle photos. You will be put in all sorts of situations if you are a leader and if you wish to implement change, then implement them and utilize your efforts on those that matter - putting so much effort in just changing the office is rather fickle.

    Thirdly, have you reflected on why your manager got the role in the first place? Is it to make big changes? or is it to do the job? is it her personality and people skills etc.? There are hard skills and there are soft skills and unfortunately, your soft skills appear to be very lacking. You have not even thought why she is in the role in which she is. It is also apparent in inviting the client into the office and then blaming the photos when they pointed it out. You are the one that brought them into the office. Why not go anywhere else? you just wanted some validation and your meeting became focused on the photo which was a distraction to you rather than a constructive meeting.

    I could go on and on… however, to be honest your focus and ambition is out of whack… develop solid foundations first.

  • snackpacket on 12/01/2017 - 12:14

    My friend, you're just going to need to fill her seat while she's away. If you try to shake things up and make big changes in the hopes of your boss saying "Wow, in only 5 weeks you completely turned this place around!" you are going to be laughed out of the building, and not to mention everyone under you will see RIGHT through you (that is, if they can keep there eyes on you while rolling them as hard as they will be.)

    DON'T BE THAT GUY.

    Be professional. You're not there to make big changes. You're not the big dog now. You're keeping her seat warm. That's the best thing you can do to look professional.

  • bobbified on 12/01/2017 - 13:33

    Your username - did you create it to try convince yourself?

    It doesn't even sound like you know how to manage upper management (including your now-boss) - how is it that you think you're better than her now?

  • John Kimble on 12/01/2017 - 13:44
    +1

    Update
    After a meeting with senior management today I had some excellent support for my ideas. A walk around the office has highlighted the poor image the company is purveying. Thus an office wide cleanup will be conducted. Especially targetting excessive photos!

    Pics or it didn't happen

    • ZzRice007 on 12/01/2017 - 14:23
      +1

      what really happened:

      Op: Runs to boss in the hallway… "We should.. blah..blah..blah..and take down photos."

      Management: (Thinks to himself: mhmm, take down photos..wtf this guy on, and why is this even relevent) Says: Ok, yes lets discuss this further later.

      Op: Awesome, just scored a meeting with the bosses and…Yeah, I've had some excellent support.. WINNING!!! Hi-5

  • [Deactivated] on 12/01/2017 - 13:49
    +4

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZziQymDQyKE

    • bluesky on 12/01/2017 - 14:12

      Really funny, LOL …

  • aussieprepper on 12/01/2017 - 13:52
    +4

    Plot twist they works at Kodak.

    • cantoangel on 18/01/2017 - 10:28

      Yeah I was thinking that maybe the OP's industry might actually be relevant… Like a prison guards office…

  • Forskin on 12/01/2017 - 14:19

    What a joker
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFiqxR7s76Y

  • Adz81 on 12/01/2017 - 15:01
    +5

    Update
    After a meeting with senior management today I had some excellent support for my ideas. A walk around the office has highlighted the poor image the company is purveying. Thus an office wide cleanup will be conducted. Especially targetting excessive photos!

    Bullshit. You're either trolling harder or trying to nurse your butt-hurt ego. Also, check your spelling of "targeting" before putting out the memo telling the underlings to remove any sign of personality from their workstations, especially those damn photos.

    • YaBigGoose on 12/01/2017 - 15:51
      +3

      Yep. Troll post is my guess. There's more and more.

    • [Deactivated] on 12/01/2017 - 19:52

      As a few of you have noticed I have had a couple of spelling mistakes. It is hard typing on the go on a phone and I have always struggled with my mild dyslexia. Rest assured I always proof read and spell check all my work communication.

      • happydude on 12/01/2017 - 22:09
        +6

        I have always struggled with my mild dyslexia.

        I's say that's the least of your problems.

  • swimmingtoad on 12/01/2017 - 18:53
    +4

    This is the most obvious troll. The Op's comment on the bega deal post gives it away.

    • poppit88 on 12/01/2017 - 22:27

      Swimmingtoad, are you trying to tell me that I wasted a good 10-20 minutes of my life, (that I'll never, ever get back I might add) drafting a sensible, considerate response only for it fall on deaf ears?

      And the bega deal post? I'm still searching……..

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