How to deal with line manager

[dragonwelsh]

I have recently moved to a new position as a Metallurgist. At the time I started my line Manager was off for a few months.

Whilst my manager was off work was fine, doing everyday failure analysis, metallurgy (examination of grain size, Inclusion counting, ferrite counts etc).

The manager above my line Manager thought my work was great and my failure analysis reports were fine and the department was working well.

Since my line manager has come back they have made my life a misery.

My reports have red pen all over them (even though another metallurgist that works in my department thinks the report is absolutely fine and we have proved this by getting them to give a report I had written and say that it was his) and nothing is good enough for them, my metallurgical analysis although correct is being questioned lots.

My question is how do I handle this line Manager, they are unwilling to listen to view points on failures. Even when I am correct on indentifying for example Stress Corrosion Cracking, the line manager says it is incorrect and then later on says that it is Stress Corrosion Cracking.

I have 8 years experience as a Metallurgist and know how to do the job. How do I handle this manager?

 

[Drumchaser]

If possible, you might want to invite the LM for a libation after work hours. Hopefully during a discussion away from work you can get a handle on what is the cause of this tomfoolery.

Some folks are just gonads, and cannot help it.

 

[patprimmer]

If your OP is truly accurate and not just your view with your interpretation, this is purely political and above your head. As such there is probably little you can do.

Possible underlying reasons:-

1) Your LM did not think your position was required
2) He did not agree with you specifically being being appointed to the position. Maybe he had someone else in mind and was overruled.
3) Your salaries might cause him some resentment either because it is relatively high compared to his or it takes more than he likes from his budget.
4) You have been successful without his input and as such, you undermine his power.
5) His boss has praised your work and this undermines his ego or his view of his job security.

Virtually all of there are outside your control or even influence.

Regards
Pat
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[rmw]

Well stated Pat. That sounds like the voice of experience.

rmw

 

[SAK9]

As Pat noted,there is more to this than meets the eye.You would need to take this head on by discussing with the higher management and ask them for a "solution".Doing nothing may even damage your professional reputation.

It would not be a bad idea to start looking for another job as well.

 

[rowingengineer]

I would start with a beer.

How could you do anything so vicious? It was easy my dear, don't forget I spent two years as a building contractor. - Priscilla Presley & Ricardo Montalban

 

[patprimmer]

Doing nothing can damage your reputation and career.

Going over your bosses head can also have a similar effect as you may very well be seen as an untrustworthy, disloyal backstabber.

Regards
Pat
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[bigTomHanks]

Someone with your experience doesn't have to put up with this type of foolishness. I suspect that it took a lot of money and time to get you in the building and if they don't handle the situation they will have to do it again. I would be professional and make sure to voice that you enjoy working there but at the level that you are in your career, you hold a very stacked deck. Seriously look into your employment options and then goto your Managers or HR and explain the situation. Kinda sounds like the guy who was away was a micromanager and while he was gone everything was cool. This same guy probably thinks that the company would fail if he ever left. I've got a manager like this what works within earshot of me and I'm thankful everyday that I don't have to work for him.