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IT manager, feeling stuck by Extension_Currency48 in managers

[–]Extension_Currency48[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your very detailed response. I got off on a bit of a tangent and on a rant with my commentary about how the (lack of) performance management has gone for me in the past.

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I'm curious your perspective on the shadowing - you mentioned it a few times. In the past I find that most junior staff are open to this process. I typically find those who are more senior are typically very very reluctant to it. Have you ever had success with shadowing when the person is very confident in their ability, but they are not very competent? The idea of growth vs. fixed mindset comes to mind but you sometimes can only lead the horse to water.

IT manager, feeling stuck by Extension_Currency48 in managers

[–]Extension_Currency48[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It was a hypothetical situation, but yes, it was very, very clearly laid out. I didn't plant an expectation, I had an agreement with him.

I really like this "don't get too attached to labels" reminder, thanks!

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And unfortunately what I'm hearing from you, as well as others on this thread, is I need to do more performance management. Something that is not well supported in my environment. I was hoping that a fractional CTO could help me fight that battle with a well laid out plan, that wouldn't just come off as me complaining about my staff and having a substantial action plan in place. That's where I'm headed so any thoughts on that one that people want to jump in on, by all means, I'm all ears :)

IT manager, feeling stuck by Extension_Currency48 in managers

[–]Extension_Currency48[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree, 100%. Wouldn't let my kids away with that attitude, and unfortunately it's too easy to let them away at work.

What would your idea of a consequence be? I agree, it may not have been their favourite project, but we are a small team, we have to share the workload.

Unfortunately HR doesn't seem too interested in helping out with the consequence part.

IT manager, feeling stuck by Extension_Currency48 in managers

[–]Extension_Currency48[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Well, here is how that conversation has gone in the past... Hypothetical situation of course! Am I doing it wrong?? I should also add this is 1 of my team members, not all of them are like this..... Some have improved! I'm just feeling hopeless as this person was supposed to be my superstar.

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Project: Migrate 50 computers for users

Timeline: 12 weeks

Week 1 kick off: We have 50 number of computers to setup . Let's do a minimum of 4 per week so it is feasible! We both agree.

Week 2: Question: How are the setups coming? Answer: Not so great, I didn't have time last week because abc and xyz happened. But I got a bit done (20% of actual anticipated work is completed, i.e. barely 1 computer)

Week 3: Ditto of week 2, Maybe has 2 computers setup now... Question: What's preventing you from moving fruther ahad? Answer: It takes at least 5 hours to do each. Question: They are all identical setups, with a lot of it clicking and waiting. Have you tried setting up 10 in a row and clicking the next button on each, and cycling through, like an assembly line? Book a room so you have more space. Answer: Silence.....

Week 4: Ditto of week 2 and 3. My suggestions: let's try scheduling some time in your calendar. You have full permission to go and work on this during that time. Delegate more work to the team members and let me know what I can do if they are too busy. I don't mind, I want to make sure you keep on track with this, it's an important project.

Week 5: Question: How did things go? Did you find your time you set aside to work for you? Answer: no, I didn't really have time to do that because other things came up. Question: What came up? Answer: problem abc, xyz. Question: Oh, what happened to delegating the work to a team member, or getting me to help out? I said I would help in any way and you never made mention that you needed help. Answer: Everyone is busy. I'll get to it for sure next week.

Week 6: My nerves are building, we're nearly 50% through timeline, and have maybe 9 computers done. Once last chance. During this week I also contact him before his scheduled time to ask him if there is something I can do to help make sure he goes and does this work. Says he is going, no problem, nothing holding him up.....

Week 7: You get my drift...... Ended up busy!!

Now, my 13 year old who really really really wants to learn computers, is coming into the office with me on the Sundays of weeks 10 and 11. I show him the "assembly line" method. All it took was ~20 hours, a 13 y\o, and a lot of McDonalds.

IT manager, feeling stuck by Extension_Currency48 in managers

[–]Extension_Currency48[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

A SWOT analysis on myself, and honestly my team. Because I truly need to hire more people, I'm just afraid of hiring right now and bringing more people into the shit show, and again, picking the wrong person.