I think my MD is an idiot, should I walk?

Title says it all. I don't trust my new MD to be our leader, but I've been at the bank for less than 12 months. He talked a big game when he interviewed me and it sounded promising, but now that we're working together I've come to the unfortunate realization he is all talk and does not know what he is doing (has made it to the MD level by peers quitting, not his success). I do not think I will learn anything from him that I do not already know. 

How long should one wait until making a lateral move, considering I joined 12 months ago? Or is this a crazy thought? Feels like I made a huge career mistake

14 Comments
 

I think OP is questioning the MD’s ability to bring in business - if not, would echo the above and would add that in my experience, it’s a happy bonus if an MD is able to mark up comments in PPT or Word.

OP, I’ve been in a similar situation in terms of trying to move firms with a few years of experience under my belt, but only a few months of experience at the current firm. I would expect a lot of focus on your reasons for leaving after such a short amount of time, esp. 12 months. I think it’s hard for it not to come across as a lapse in diligence, but I don’t think it’s a dealbreaker by any means so long as you can convincingly explain yourself.

 

MDs are there to bring in clients. They might know jack-shit about the kind of work that you do. He might not even know what to tell you to do, but it doesn't mean that he's not good at his job. Stick it out. If you think that this man is truly that incompetent and it is really so negative that it is affecting your career, then consider a lateral. But I would think very hard about your premise, not just assume your MD is some total incompetent asshole. 

 

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