What's Wrong With My Boss?

Dear Joan,
I joined this company a year ago to fix the company’s “Process Improvement” methodology. It quickly became clear that it would be more cost-effective to develop new solutions and gradually phase out the old one.

I have literally created a new technology division, developed a new product, new revenue stream, forged partnerships with new clients, and hired talented individuals, who now make more than I do. Our product has been very successful and is much sought after. Unfortunately, my boss is doing nothing to make our group more visible to our clients or the corporate organization. All visibility comes from the talks we give within our organization and to our clients.

Three months ago, my boss mentioned that he had plans for a major compensation and title changes for our group. I have very discretely reminded him of that a few times and I have received no straight answer. There have been numerous promotions in other departments, yet he has made no promotions in any of the departments he manages. I really enjoy my work, but my research shows that my salary and title are not competitive with my qualifications and experience.

Lately, my boss appears not to be making any decisions, instead, he uses the excuse that he has to consult with his boss on almost everything. I have approached him about promoting my direct reports for the wonderful work they have done and I have a colleague who works very hard and deserves to be promoted as well. Why is he not recognizing the people who deserve to be promoted or at least deserve raises?

Do I need to line up another job offer before I approach him?
Your advice will be greatly appreciated
- Frustrated in CO

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Dear Frustrated,
With the many lay offs and reorganizations in the technology sector it may be that your boss is feeling uneasy about asking for any changes. He also may not know how to create an effective case for raises and promotions to present to his boss. Therefore, it is up to you to give him a quantitative report, in writing, on the value you and your staff have brought to the company. You will find an article called Write Your Own Report Card, on my web site under “Career Strategies” to be very helpful in formatting your information.

If you should fine it necessary to look for an other job, the information you put together for this report will give you invaluable statistics to use in your resume. I also suggest that you write a report of this nature every month or at least once a quarter and send it to your boss, your clients and your bosses boss. In creating your report be sure to get success and satisfaction data from your clients perspective. Make your clients the stars in your report and I can assure you that they will pass the report around to others. If appropriate the report could be in the form of an internal newsletter. This will give you and your group great visibility and the support of your clients may be what gets you the raise you desire.

Of course, your first report should not be public and I would suggest making a separate section in which you state that you are making less than the people who work for you and that you feel that your leadership and management on this product deserves appropriate compensation and title. Send it to your boss with a cc. to HR and your boss's boss.

That will no doubt get some conversation going. If you still get no action, reasons why or things that you need to improve on to qualify for a raise and promotion, then start looking for an other job.

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