Looking for advice on managing upwards

I had a conversation with my boss yesterday where he praised my technical skills but basically still indicated that I was crap because I wasn't doing other things other than technical.  

He kept saying how Technical makes you naturally unpopular...  I just walked out thinking "WTF?"  I actually don't think he understands what I'm there to do.

Any top tips for managing upwards in this situation?  His lack of vocal (or implied) support for Technical is really having a knock on impact on the site but he just cannot see it.  

I had a conversation with my boss yesterday where he praised my technical skills but basically still indicated that I was crap because I wasn't doing other things other than technical.  

 

He kept saying how Technical makes you naturally unpopular...  I just walked out thinking "WTF?"  I actually don't think he understands what I'm there to do.

 

Any top tips for managing upwards in this situation?  His lack of vocal (or implied) support for Technical is really having a knock on impact on the site but he just cannot see it.  

Hi GMO,

2 queries -

Is it obvious what the boss interprets as "non-technical", eg smiling/non-combative all the time when confronted by adversity/idiocy ?

Politics-wise, are you a Voice in the Wilderness ?

An assessment of how hard is the "brick wall" is indicated IMO.

I had a conversation with my boss yesterday where he praised my technical skills but basically still indicated that I was crap because I wasn't doing other things other than technical.  

 

He kept saying how Technical makes you naturally unpopular...  I just walked out thinking "WTF?"  I actually don't think he understands what I'm there to do.

 

Any top tips for managing upwards in this situation?  His lack of vocal (or implied) support for Technical is really having a knock on impact on the site but he just cannot see it.  

What 'other things' is he expecting you to do?

I can't imagine how frustrating that must be! I think as long as your teams happy and support each other you're doing fine.

Ignore his comments - in one ear and out the other! That's what I do especially when the feedback is non constructive.

Hi GMO, it’s difficult when your boss doesn’t value what you do.  He is clearly targeted with other things, which are likely meeting the manufacturing plan at the lowest possible cost and then improving on that all of the time.  The FSQMS does not feature in his world as contributing to his goals.  In fact he probably sees it as something that detracts from his goals. A good FSQMS does contribute to efficiency, waste and cost reduction and also a hidden part which is cost-avoidance (complaints, recalls etc) and business opportunities through third party certification and being able to meet customer’s requirements.  Personally I would try to report on the value that is added by the FSQMS and perhaps start some projects on waste reduction and continual improvement.  You need to make the connection for him.  I keep saying “him” but it could be a “her” though I’m guessing it’s a one-eyed, pig headed man. 

Oooh sexist me.

Good luck.

Simon

Hi GMO,

 

2 queries -

 

Is it obvious what the boss interprets as "non-technical", eg smiling/non-combative all the time when confronted by adversity/idiocy ?

 

Politics-wise, are you a Voice in the Wilderness ?

 

An assessment of how hard is the "brick wall" is indicated IMO.

smiling/non-combative all the time when confronted by adversity/idiocy ? = Pretty much but also adding more "value added" items (ergo Technical is not value added)

I'm so far in the wilderness I have a pet tumble weed...

The brick wall is pretty hard.

Hi GMO, it’s difficult when your boss doesn’t value what you do.  He is clearly targeted with other things, which are likely meeting the manufacturing plan at the lowest possible cost and then improving on that all of the time.  The FSQMS does not feature in his world as contributing to his goals.  In fact he probably sees it as something that detracts from his goals. A good FSQMS does contribute to efficiency, waste and cost reduction and also a hidden part which is cost-avoidance (complaints, recalls etc) and business opportunities through third party certification and being able to meet customer’s requirements.  Personally I would try to report on the value that is added by the FSQMS and perhaps start some projects on waste reduction and continual improvement.  You need to make the connection for him.  I keep saying “him” but it could be a “her” though I’m guessing it’s a one-eyed, pig headed man. 

 

Oooh sexist me.

 

Good luck.

 

Simon

Oh no, it's a him...

Thanks for the tip.  I can't believe that to someone so senior I'm having to justify everything based on cost but that is what I'm having to do.  We are such an immature company. 

Hi GMO,

Based on yr info >> Grin + Bear it + Yasmin for the "other things"

(Been there, when you have to justify pencils it's getting near the bottom).

GMO,

I feel your pain and just remember that part of the problem is that they do not understand the concepts, the standards, and the importance of keeping the programs maintained. On my end, all I can tell you is that from the QA Manager all the way to Senior Management, ignorance clouds their intelligence. But, ignorance will not longer be an excuse. Cost will have to be worked into their little world and little do they know that you are in realty bringing cost savings.

Hopefully, In the US FSMA will bring accountability and Jail time to those who choose to look the other way.

Keep working, learning, and moving forward .  Knowledge brings equilibrium while ignorance brings chaos.

Regards

"But, ignorance will not longer be an excuse. Cost will have to be worked into their little world and little do they know that you are in realty bringing cost savings."

What may appear to be ignorance, is not always so.  They usually understand that it is much more important to *show* cost savings than it is to have actual cost savings.

Hi GMO

I feel your pain, was in a similar situation. Not easy to stay positive. Read the attached 2 articles, maybe that will give you some insight how to tackle the lack of understanding from top Management.

Wine Gum

GMO,

 

I feel your pain and just remember that part of the problem is that they do not understand the concepts, the standards, and the importance of keeping the programs maintained. On my end, all I can tell you is that from the QA Manager all the way to Senior Management, ignorance clouds their intelligence. But, ignorance will not longer be an excuse. Cost will have to be worked into their little world and little do they know that you are in realty bringing cost savings.

 

Hopefully, In the US FSMA will bring accountability and Jail time to those who choose to look the other way.

 

Keep working, learning, and moving forward .  Knowledge brings equilibrium while ignorance brings chaos.

 

Regards

Sadly although the law is in place in the UK, jail time is rare for food safety offences.

Hi GMO

 

I feel your pain, was in a similar situation. Not easy to stay positive. Read the attached 2 articles, maybe that will give you some insight how to tackle the lack of understanding from top Management.

 

Wine Gum

Taking these home to read but saw the "boss we need a strategic plan" I've already said this to him and he told me I was wrong