Going over your bosses head

Would you say anything or just lay low in this circumstance.

You have 3 bosses. Your regular boss you deal with everyday for everything, a boss that is above your boss (don't deal with on a regular basis) who is an assistant to the head boss (don't deal with on a regular basis either).

The department has grown and really needs to be re-structured but the head bosses really don't see why and aren't into the "title" thing and promotions. People have been in this department for 20 years and they are still in their same positions becuase of no re-structuring.

The regular boss has spoken to both higher up bosses and HR about getting these 20 + years employees some type of longevity raise and some type of promotion within the dept for over a year and nothing.

If you were that employee, would you just sit around waiting for that raise or would you go over your regular bosses head to say something (which probably won't go anyplace but to let others know you are annoyed)?

Message edited 2/22/2013 10:18:53 AM.

Re: Going over your bosses head

I wouldn't go over your immediate boss's head in this case, especially because it seems like he has been trying to address the situation (albeit not getting results) and is on your side. If you go over his head, I think it will send a message to your immediate boss that you don't respect his role and don't find him to be effective. He will probably feel cut-out of the loop, and feel it makes him look bad to his bosses. I general think it's important to address things through the proper channels (of course, there are exceptions, such as when someone's immediate boss is doing something illegal -- sexual harassment or embezzlement or something -- which isn't the case here).

Can you sit down with your immediate boss and express your frustration with the situation and brainstorm other approaches to take with the higher ups? Maybe he will have no problem with you going to speak to them directly or sending something in writing or whatever, with your request, but I would certainly get him on board first, or at the very least, give him a heads' up, before going over his head.

I wouldn't risk a relationship with my immediate boss to take action that you say probably won't be effective anyway, esp. if there are other avenues to explore first.

Re: Going over your bosses head

Thanks.
I have sat down over and over for the last 2 years about this so it is nothing new to my boss.

Re: Going over your bosses head

I work at a for-profit. It can be a tough environment at times.

My boss, the VP and the CEO are WELL AWARE of the issues certain people get upset about, especially if they are not used to working in that kind of structure.

There are apparently bigger fish to fry though, and even if certain things are dysfunctional in certain employees eyes, it is what is is unless from the top down goes which I don't foresee in my lifetime of continued employment there.

I've spoken to my boss about having a dept meeting with the higher ups and it's not going to happen.

My boss is very fair and has done a lot for me. I would never go above him when I know the issues are not going to get resolved anyway.

The way I see it is there are certain things at work (regardless of one's employer) that are probably not going to change.

You either learn to live with it, work around it to the best you can, or find another job.

Re: Going over your bosses head

Going over your bosses head

I'm going thru the same exact thing.....i learned the hard way, don't say anything.....it will come back to bite you. My agency hasn't made any changes in 5 years, so I am looking to leave.

Re: Going over your bosses head

Re: Going over your bosses head

You can still send out your resume and let people know you are looking.

I have a lot of pros at my employer too, but if the right thing came along............

Good luck!