Are you the boss/supervisor/director/etc??

Ok...
Suppose you have a someone working under you....You see alot of potential in this person and want to move this person to a higher position...
But inside, this person feels like they are not up to the task...
Should that person tell their boss?
As a person with authority, what would you feel is the best way for this person to deal with this proposition?

I am a supervisor and I think that instead of just taking the job, being overwhelmed and ultimately failing....I would propse that the person talk to their boss about their reservations in a way that doesn't make them seem insecure of less confident.

Something to the effect of:

'I am really excited about this promotion and what it means for me, but there are some areas of this job that I am not fully trained in....Would someone be willing to give me some direction and guidance until I can be fully operational on my own?'

I don't know if that helps...but as a supervisor I would be happy that the person was honest about their doubts but also committed to learning the new skills and hopefully taking on the challenge....

Does that make sense?

That absolutely makes sense. Thank you very much for responding.

They may feel they are not up to the task for various reasons and one is not obligated to tell his/her supervisor why (i.e. wants a 9-5 job with limited responsibilities so he/she can take care of a sick relative). He/she was hired to do a job and if he/she does it well and shows no initiative, IMO it's best to just let it be.

However, if this person views you as a mentor and shows genuine interest, then I would outline what things need to take place in order for this person to get to the 'next level'. This is usually done at review time. If the person is interested he/she will take the bait and run with it.

ETA: I don't know if I answered your question...

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Posted by september2004

They may feel they are not up to the task for various reasons and one is not obligated to tell his/her supervisor why (i.e. wants a 9-5 job with limited responsibilities so he/she can take care of a sick relative). He/she was hired to do a job and if he/she does it well and shows no initiative, IMO it's best to just let it be.

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Totally agree with this...If it's just that the person does not want the job at all...that's one thing...
But If they potentially want the job and are just hesitant about preforming well...then I stick to what I said in my first post.

I agree with Sage, as a manager I ask for open communication between me and my staff. If someone were overwhelemed or hesitant about a change in their job responsibilities - I would ask they they are open with me and to see what we could work out to fix this situation.

Is that what you were asking - or are you saying someone is being offered a promotion and they don't want it at all?

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Posted by Niecey

Is that what you were asking - or are you saying someone is being offered a promotion and they don't want it at all?

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I wasn't exactly 'offered' a promo...I was just sort of told: 'this is how it's going to be...' due to the fact that they are happy with my performance thus far...
New things are expected of me...And I'm not sure exactly what the heck I'm doing.
I feel overwhelmed. I don't want to mess up. And I don't like being in a situations where I am not sure what I'm doing or what's expected of me.
I certainly appreciate the vote of confidence. But maybe I just don't feel ready enough to take on new responsiblities---especially when it's not clear what they are...
Anyway. I'm meeting with my supervisor later today. Praying I don't get flustered.

Don't get flustered....
It will show a lot that you went to her with your concerns. Just let her know:

'I want to do the best job possible for you and for (insert co. name) so that is why I have come to you. I feel that I may need a clearer definition of my new responsibilities.
If I am able to better understand my role , I am sure I will be able to better preform those tasks.'

Blah Blah Blah....

GOOD LUCK!

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Posted by Sage10.03

Don't get flustered....
It will show a lot that you went to her with your concerns. Just let her know:

'I want to do the best job possible for you and for (insert co. name) so that is why I have come to you. I feel that I may need a clearer definition of my new responsibilities.
If I am able to better understand my role , I am sure I will be able to better preform those tasks.'

Blah Blah Blah....

GOOD LUCK!

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Thanks. I'm so nervous. I forget sometimes that I do actually have strong abilities...Obviously someone noticed...I don't know why I get myself all upset...
Thanks again very much.

Sage offers good advice on how to say it. She wouldn't give it to you if she didn't think you can handle it - most likely. Remeber change is very often scary and overwhelming - but I am sure once you start getting into and performing the new responsibilities you will succeed. Just don't go in defeat and saying you can't do it. Go in saying this may be difficult but I will figure it all out! Good Luck!

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Posted by Niecey

Sage offers good advice on how to say it. She wouldn't give it to you if she didn't think you can handle it - most likely. Remeber change is very often scary and overwhelming - but I am sure once you start getting into and performing the new responsibilities you will succeed. Just don't go in defeat and saying you can't do it. Go in saying this may be difficult but I will figure it all out! Good Luck!

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Thanks Niecey