Caught Between Two Stools
I am finding for the first time with my current company that I am beginning to get caught between what my boss (The CEO) wants and the Chairman between whom there is internal wrangling.
The latter is under pressure to justify his position and is advocating moving into a new market segment, whilst my boss thinks it is a diversion and a purely political exercise.
However, my boss also feels that I am under the spotlight as the Chairman will expect me to deliver in the new marketplace, yet he won't sanction all the activity I am/can arrange to try and get things fully moving.
I have been in a situation like this before and find it very unsettling. I suppose also that I am less well equipped than many to manage the process.
Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions?
I know this matter must be
I know this matter must be difficult or confusing. You have to ask yourself, "Who has the power to fire me?". I know it sounds silly, but if you value your job, then you will also come to value the actions of those of your superior. You should listen to what your boss wants. It sounds like they are in a struggle, and you just happen to be caught in the middle. Take a neutral stance until you find out what your boss wants. Also, speak up for yourself, ask to hold a meeting between you three to discuss the issue. Tell them how you are willing to do the right thing for the company, and that an agreement needs to be reached.
The Power Effect
The situation has resolved itself on its own insofar as the Chairman resigned - disagreement with an outside shareholder.
I think that what you say about acknowledging where the power resides is spot on! I don't think that you can work round this in organisations easily and, if you confront it negatively, it usually is terminal.
From the perspective of Asperger syndrome, the problem I have is where I am fully behind my boss, want to support him (which in this case I certainly do) but know that if I do back him to the hilt it could be very costly personally.
Its the total honesty - Asperger - factor coming into play combined with an innate prediliction towards loyalty.
The problem is that I was put in a similar situation previously, acted as my Asperger dictated - and paid very dearly for it.
The fact that my boss subsequently apologised and was personally
moved by my willingness to accept his apology - didn't unfortunately help my career!
I still find this issue incredibly difficult.
It is a difficult and
It is a difficult and delicate matter. Some things you need to keep in mind are your own ethics, your job description and how you work within that, what is good or moral for the company, and ultimatly, what your superior wants. I think I understand what you mean. If you do what one person wants, it might cause the office environment to be unbareable to yourself. It is never an easy decision to make, especially when you consider the opposite; it is never nice to have your boss angry or dissapointed in you. With AS, you throw another factor in, wanting to be honest and not wanting to beat around the bush.
Boss
I would be inclined to go with what your boss wants as they are your direct superior. If the chairman wants something different, it's up to them to provide the necessary resources and go-ahead to your boss. If they're fighting, it's up to them to sort it out between themselves.