I hid in my cube and cried

Less is more, especially if it's bosses

It was a long time ago. At the time, we had a few months of economic challenges and things started to look up. I decided to accept a new position that I believed fit better with my skills, and I have just left another cushy job. As I reflect back, I realize that one of the reasons I made the switch was also because of my own beliefs and values that did not align well with my previous employer.

I started out excited, and promptly put together a 30-60-90 plan with my direct manager. The organization where I started prouded itself for being on the cutting-edge of management and being structured as a “matrix” organization.

If you don't know what it is, you are luckier than many Americans. A Matrix Organization just basically means that everybody has more than one boss. Usually, you have a direct manager, and you have a something like a “functional” manager.

I was already two weeks in the job and have spent a good part of that time listening to my direct manager about what was expected from me and all the plans that “they” had, and that I was supposed to develop. I captured all those diligently, decided to make an impact and contribute to the “shared” mission. Cleaned everything up and put them in some logical order.

Today was the day I would get one hour of the busy day of my “other” boss. After exchanging cordialities and some small talk, I proceeded to show him all the different things I have discussed with my direct manager. Wasn't long until I noticed he was looking at me like I had a third eye in the middle of my forehead. “That's not what we need” - he blurted out.

I don't remember much of the conversation after that. Most of it felt like the confused moment after suffering an accident. I thanked him for his time and I remember one thing he said: “This way, you're not going to last too long”. My frustration grew as I walked towards my cube with my tail between my legs.

I sat down and laid low. I sank into a sea of gray fabric and laminate. Did not want anybody to see how a tear ran down my face as I pondered whether if I had made the right decision. This little thing had brought a grown-up man to cry.

It took a few minutes to recompose myself and realize it was a moment to “manage up” (what a terrible thing!), but I understood one thing: The two never talked before, they did not settle on the priorities before bringing me in, and I had to deal with the consequences of their bad leadership. It is not better to have more, especially if it's bosses.

None of your employees should deal with competing priorities. It's frustrating to them, and is counterproductive for your business. Clarity is the ultimate competitive advantage.