I have been kicked upstairs...

Gautam
I think most people want to do a good job for their company. But they get frustrated because their proposed solutions for fixing the real problems are ignored. Why? Because the boss didn't think of it first. Because it would make the boss look bad to his superiors. Because the boss doesn't understand how the solution would work, but can't admit it. Etc, Etc.

Being new in this job is an advantage in this respect as you will not be carrying the baggage of the previous incumbent in your new job.

A good boss will explore employee suggested solutions and if workable, support them all the way up the chain of command, if necessary, to see that they are achieved. Part of a boss' job is to be an advocate for those s/he supervises to help them do a good job. Too many bosses only see themselves as ruling their subordinates when, in fact, to be successful, the boss must be an effective advocate for them.

And advocacy earns loyalty and respect, an important component of any boss' supervision capital. Employee appreciation of such advocacy usually results in their efforts to make their boss (you) look good in the company chain of command.

BBB

The comment about other 'cowboys' is an enormous red flag. What happened to the other cowboys? Where are they now?

I worked in a branch that was considered make or break for a previous employer. They would toss prospective junior v.p.'s into our branch to 'fix' things. If they survived, they moved up. If they crashed, they were put into a career parking spot. No one ever did 'fix' things. Head office never bothered to give anyone the authority to actually sort out what was going on. Interesting career issue.

<listening, absorbing, learning>

ehBeth, I come from a different region (I worked for Central Eastern Europe and Africa before it was merged with Western Europe and made into one region) Since I now handle Western Europe countries (specific responsiblities) I am seen as a "cowboy" - since I am not a part of "the gang"

Has the team you're with now been presented with other 'cowboys' in the past? Or is just that your superior does a lot of 'cowboy' placement generally?

I have SUCH a hard time thinking of you as a cowboy -- but at least you can ride a horse!

Congrats and Best of Luck....

Use this opportunity to help some one who may need your support....

Try to develop as many supporters as possible......

Day 5 : Now that I have some idea of what is going arnd here - I have started working on my strategy to fix things. More meetings today (I have been working from 0700-2000 these days and loving it)

I was invited to Lunch yesterday by a couple of guyz (peers), so there is a ray of hope that I am being slowly accepted (is it because of my smile ?? ) and once I am properly introduced to my team, I am planning to take them out for a christmas dinner....

You do remember that I'm one of your best and oldest secret field workers, do you? :wink:

I suppose since you are a 'cowboy' you should wrangle a cow and cook them steaks!

G - who is supposed to be introducing you to your team? Yikes it hasn't been done after 5 days? It should be done on the first day, first thing! How are you supposed to get this job done if you have to wait for (presumably your boss) to get his act together and make formal introductions?

This is good. Much easier to ask from hard work from your team if you're the hardest worker of all.

Heeven,

Yeah, the boss has to do it - but I am not pushing him too much, as I want to get my act together, get a strawman of the way fwd in my head before I address my team. The handover process is full of gaps from the previous manager - and I am trying to plug them in these days.

Yep, Sozobe - today a couple of guys have walked in at 0830 - looks like a good sign.

I have been here since 0600 today morning, have a day full of meetings with people who want to meet me (my business partners) so wanted to get some work done before the madmess starts !!

Isn't there a set time by which they need to have came?

0900 - I am generally pretty lax with time keeping for my employees - as long as the work gets done. But considering the amount of changes we need to bring in here....I think the first step is to act professional, and work, at a minimum, from 0900-1700

do you have a good secretary?!

First week over! Hang in there

One week down--and improvements are underway.

Hold your dominion.

Gautam, you've earned the weekend for relaxing and going over all that the week has presented to you.
Drinks are on me.

Have a drink on me, Gautam, as you relax & put your feet up. Things can only improve as you become more familiar with all this new stuff.

Gautam -- I am a late arrival here, but I do want to offer my congratulations. Couldn't happen to a nicer guy.

Gautam
Gautam, we miss your progress updates - haven't had once since 12/12, which is long enough for you to become a roaring success or for you to be in deep do do.

BBB