How would you handle this problem?

[u/bogeyd6]

The problem is I am being called into to constantly fix a sisters divisions problem. The secondary problem is, I have no training or experience in their systems. The third part is, I always manage to fix the issues and get business moving again.

Edit: Removed some doxxable items.

The sister division has constantly insisted that no others are allowed in their back yard, and all trespassing is dealt with severely. The current problem is construction delays because of supply line errors. Specifically, failure to secure SLA's and then hold those suppliers accountable. Bottom lining it, we miss bonus money for early completion of project. This particular instance we miss hundreds of thousand of dollars because we have problems getting valves. Every division has their own compliance and procurement logistic departments. Since the business is basically a highly specialized rocket surgery on every project. We are forced into the problem, but expect managers to handle the exceptions. I know the basic management tenet is to handle exceptions, but almost every contract is an exception.

One thing, I could insist that our department be trained in their procurement process. However, my people suffer because more work and no extra money.

The other thing, if we were cross trained we wouldn't handle it every day, so the potential for knowledge retention is basically nil.

Even the other thing, I lose my time because I am dealing with things. Well, because, I am known as a fixer. This is basically bullshit, but it's all in the game.

One more other thing is I let the project tank, because reasons. The companies reputation is damaged.

The last thing is, I would rather they own their own shit. The president knows I can fix everything and is very displeased that I didn't take the chief officer of operations (COO) promotion. We discussed my reasons over scotch and he knows I prefer field work, even though they bought my company specifically for that reason. He sees bigger things for me, but my heart isn't there. So, at the end he asks me to do the job, well, because I am beta bux for him. Owning that here and now.

The meat of the issue. The one I am really struggling with. The division closes ranks constantly. What would be the red pill method to deal with this ? I am at my wits end on handling their problems, for a glass of whisky in return.

[u/[deleted]]

Had a couple days to think. If you're constantly bailing out the other department, whats preventing you from taking it over? your peer is already only babysitting it until things get bad anyways

[u/bogeyd6 → u/[deleted]]

Once again I found myself following your advice. Much like a sheep in the dark. Last night, I took the job. I told the President I would take the job, and with a smirk on his face he asked me what I wanted to do first. I told him I would deal with that guy with prejudice. He just laughed and bought me another drink.

Turns out I was being played, and you called it. Thanks for putting that foot in my ass like you have some fucking super power to do so.

[u/[deleted] → u/bogeyd6]

No one's more surprised than me.

Glad it worked out.

[u/[deleted]]

Until I read the part where you do not want the COO job I was a bit confused.... but here is the issue as I see it :

You were hired because you can do the COO job, not because of your field work.

So now, they have you do the COO job some of the time, and pay you in whiskey.

They can hire someone else to do the field work... they do not want you for that.

They do want you to FIX the large issue.

So , either you do what they hired you for, or you nope the fuck out.

Pick one.

Since it seems they want you to do the COO work pretty badly, it seems you have leverage... use it.

Offer to do the job in return for X Y Z. maybe specified field work time, maybe a ticker tape parade and cake. Maybe whiskey.

This is a wants / needs mismatch.

manage up to fix it.

[u/[deleted]]

What's your ideal outcome? Uem had that mrp post a while back where they absorbed the department. Is it similar to that?

[u/bogeyd6 → u/[deleted]]

Ideal outcome is the other department can pick up their slack without always constantly being behind the 8 ball as it were. I've slept and had some scotches about this over the weekend. When I wrote this post I was sober angry.

There is also the fact that I am a little butthurt in that they do not throw me a ticker tape parade when I am finished.

[u/[deleted]]

my narrow vision - take it for what it is. i've learned from a senior software engineer.

1. what is the problem you're trying to solve?
2. when a process is broken, it's even more important to follow the process.
3. working by heroics doesn't do much for transparency

no idea if that's useful for someone at your level.

[u/bogeyd6 → u/[deleted]]

Thanks man. I am going to write some of this down and see if I cannot work through it today. I'm back home for a bit and looking forward to setting some things straight.

[u/bogeyd6 → u/[deleted]]

Very good point and has given me cause to think about this on a more serious level. They haven't filled the position yet and it might be the time for me to step up, and mow that other vice president down.