Just started new job, but does my superior team member want me gone?
September 9, 2015 5:05 PM Subscribe
Just started a new job and would like to keep it. Superior team member asked me when my contract ends. He has the power to determine whether I stay on the team or not. Is this cause for alarm? More details inside.
I’ve recently started a new job that I’ve been working at for ~2 months now. I was hired as a contractor (to be renewed yearly). My position is administrative and involves supporting several different teams simultaneously. I’ve been in the field for years and am familiar with the work, and although at times I am overwhelmed, I think I’m doing a decent job. I have already received very positive feedback from one of my higher up team members, who provided this report to my direct supervisor. However, I cannot read the other team member and how he feels about me. He seems to be a rather high strung individual. We are working together very closely and we just began a new project together that he has asked me to manage. I know he has the power to determine whether I stay on the team or not.
Today I asked him for feedback, because I want to gauge if I’m meeting his expectations. He told me I’m doing a good job and that I picked up [specific task] very quickly and he appreciates it. Didn’t have anything negative to say, but then again, I did put him on the spot. A little later he asked me when my contract ends, and when it is renewed. I freaked out a little internally because I’m already a worrier and especially am concerned about how my teams feel about me. Why would he ask that - does it seem like he’s looking forward to and planning when my time on the team ends? He would definitely have a say in whether I stay on the team or not. Do I need to start kissing ass to save my job?
I’ve recently started a new job that I’ve been working at for ~2 months now. I was hired as a contractor (to be renewed yearly). My position is administrative and involves supporting several different teams simultaneously. I’ve been in the field for years and am familiar with the work, and although at times I am overwhelmed, I think I’m doing a decent job. I have already received very positive feedback from one of my higher up team members, who provided this report to my direct supervisor. However, I cannot read the other team member and how he feels about me. He seems to be a rather high strung individual. We are working together very closely and we just began a new project together that he has asked me to manage. I know he has the power to determine whether I stay on the team or not.
Today I asked him for feedback, because I want to gauge if I’m meeting his expectations. He told me I’m doing a good job and that I picked up [specific task] very quickly and he appreciates it. Didn’t have anything negative to say, but then again, I did put him on the spot. A little later he asked me when my contract ends, and when it is renewed. I freaked out a little internally because I’m already a worrier and especially am concerned about how my teams feel about me. Why would he ask that - does it seem like he’s looking forward to and planning when my time on the team ends? He would definitely have a say in whether I stay on the team or not. Do I need to start kissing ass to save my job?
There is no way for any of us to know for sure what this person was thinking. However, how long you'll be there is for sure relevant to their planning process, so unless they were flat out lying about being happy with your performance etc, my guess is they were just trying to think things out for the future. Maybe they thought the reason you were asking for feedback was that your contract was coming up for renewal soon! Maybe they wanted to know if this is an important time to advocate for you.
posted by aubilenon at 5:10 PM on September 9, 2015 [4 favorites]
posted by aubilenon at 5:10 PM on September 9, 2015 [4 favorites]
Given the positive feedback he gave you, it is more likely that he was asking when your contract ends because he doesn't want to see you leave or wishes to see if he can extend your time.
We can't know for real what he was thinking when he asked, but the odds are in your favor in this case. Keep doing a good job!
posted by wemayfreeze at 5:11 PM on September 9, 2015 [14 favorites]
We can't know for real what he was thinking when he asked, but the odds are in your favor in this case. Keep doing a good job!
posted by wemayfreeze at 5:11 PM on September 9, 2015 [14 favorites]
It's entirely possible he asked because he's afraid he's going to lose you, maybe even in the middle of something he's got planned.
There's a bunch more positive reasons to want to know that than negative, and in fact if his intention was negative he probably would have asked someone else.
posted by Lyn Never at 5:11 PM on September 9, 2015
There's a bunch more positive reasons to want to know that than negative, and in fact if his intention was negative he probably would have asked someone else.
posted by Lyn Never at 5:11 PM on September 9, 2015
"I like this person, how can I make sure they're going to be here long term?"
posted by jzb at 5:32 PM on September 9, 2015
posted by jzb at 5:32 PM on September 9, 2015
Best answer: Assuming he was telling the truth when he answered your question, then he asked because either:
a) he didn't know and randomly wondered, or
b) he is thinking that he hopes he doesn't get you all up to speed only to lose you
You've indicated zero reason to think he wants you gone. Take a deep breath, keep doing great work, ask for help or explanations when you need it, and ask AS IF you were confident, and you soon will be at least more confident.
BTW, people don't usually give glowing praise with examples when they don't like you. They damn with faint praise. Breathe.
posted by The Wrong Kind of Cheese at 5:39 PM on September 9, 2015 [1 favorite]
a) he didn't know and randomly wondered, or
b) he is thinking that he hopes he doesn't get you all up to speed only to lose you
You've indicated zero reason to think he wants you gone. Take a deep breath, keep doing great work, ask for help or explanations when you need it, and ask AS IF you were confident, and you soon will be at least more confident.
BTW, people don't usually give glowing praise with examples when they don't like you. They damn with faint praise. Breathe.
posted by The Wrong Kind of Cheese at 5:39 PM on September 9, 2015 [1 favorite]
If he decides if you stay or go, he may have to write a formal review within a certain time frame before your contract ends. If he is organized and high strung, he may be trying to plan out his Tuesday seven weeks from now to write out the review. I wouldn't sweat it.
posted by Suffocating Kitty at 5:46 PM on September 9, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Suffocating Kitty at 5:46 PM on September 9, 2015 [1 favorite]
Instead of worrying, ask. I've been on both ends of this situation. Asking for some clarification on your next contract is normal and expected.
Usually there isn't a yes or no answer, but you are likely to learn a lot that will make you feel more secure if you have the conversation sooner rather than later.
posted by Patapsco Mike at 6:18 PM on September 9, 2015
Usually there isn't a yes or no answer, but you are likely to learn a lot that will make you feel more secure if you have the conversation sooner rather than later.
posted by Patapsco Mike at 6:18 PM on September 9, 2015
You have not indicated where you are working, so I am going to assume it is the United States. This is a statistically likely assumption that I am comfortable making.
The above responses are correct that you have nothing to worry about based solely on this response.
There is an additional point that has not been covered. No sane company in the USA makes contracts that are not mutually severable by both parties. In other words, you are not bound to work there for a year and they are not bound to employ you for a year. The year contract simply means, "unless we say otherwise, we'll keep you around for a year and revisit the question in a year." This has the corollary meaning that if they don't want you around, they simply fire you (like any other worker).
So, if he wanted you gone... you'd be gone already.
posted by saeculorum at 6:59 PM on September 9, 2015 [3 favorites]
The above responses are correct that you have nothing to worry about based solely on this response.
There is an additional point that has not been covered. No sane company in the USA makes contracts that are not mutually severable by both parties. In other words, you are not bound to work there for a year and they are not bound to employ you for a year. The year contract simply means, "unless we say otherwise, we'll keep you around for a year and revisit the question in a year." This has the corollary meaning that if they don't want you around, they simply fire you (like any other worker).
So, if he wanted you gone... you'd be gone already.
posted by saeculorum at 6:59 PM on September 9, 2015 [3 favorites]
I would ask the exact same question if I was really impressed. I would mean "How much time do I have to do the political work necessary to get you made permanent?" Is this a underhanded strategy, start laying the groundwork situation or an emergency, pitch a fit immediately situation? (Of course, I'd say why I asked, because I know it sounds sinister.)
If I hated you, I'd say nothing and just wait for you to go away.
posted by ctmf at 7:39 PM on September 9, 2015
If I hated you, I'd say nothing and just wait for you to go away.
posted by ctmf at 7:39 PM on September 9, 2015
I work with people on contract. If they are good, I ask them when it ends because I want to know when I have to start worrying about losing them, convincing them to stay, replacing them if they are going to leave. Also, I need to get my vacation in while we are fully staffed.
So, if you think you are doing a good job, it could be something like that.
posted by SLC Mom at 10:57 PM on September 9, 2015
So, if you think you are doing a good job, it could be something like that.
posted by SLC Mom at 10:57 PM on September 9, 2015
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posted by babelfish at 5:08 PM on September 9, 2015 [15 favorites]