Most useless VP makes me want to KMS, what do I do?
Started in the role 6 months ago as an analyst and have a VP that is so absolutely horrific to work with. So much micromanaging for absolutely no reason, will treat me like shit, talk to me passive aggressively but completely normal to others. Might get called weak but have worked at 3 other firms in the past and have never been treated or felt like this once so not sure if they just have it out for me or some random chip on their shoulder. Anybody able to provide some advice? Genuinely makes me dread waking up and treading to the office as everyday it’s a new problem or a issue with them but team is lean so not much I can do. Actively looking to lateral as well and have interviews lined up but until then what can I do? Soft quit/coast through? Thanks guys
I have had this issue. The way I dealt with it was confronting them directly and tried to have a genuine conversation to understand where the disconnect was coming from. What I can tell you from my own experience is that the VPs behavior is ultimately coming from a place of insecurity - any normal person who is comfortable in their own skin treats others with the respect they want to be treated.
In my situation, I was fortunately able to overcome the toxic behavior and the person who gave me a hard time became someone I am friends with and even interact with outside the office since they have departed from the firm for another role. Would encourage you try and take steps to build a positive relationship. Even if it doesn’t work out the way you envisioned, at least you know you did your part. Some people are just assholes though, unfortunately. I trust you’ll find a way to make it right
You became friends with the insecure loser who bullied you? Sad.
Steal his Zyns. That’s what I would do to the VP I hated. He would leave his Zyns and vape on his desk and I’d cheef that shit when he would leave
Which group at BB
As a last resort, I’ve seen the below work -
Put some feelers out if i) other juniors feel the same way as you and ii) the VP is not extremely well respected by seniors. If yes to both, form a mutiny and refuse to work for him to force the seniors to acknowledge / realize he sucks to work with. Sometimes the seniors just don’t know or don’t care enough… if you + others shove it in their face and make it visible, it could work. You have to be absolutely sure I) and ii) are true though.
Well mentioned, as this is particularly taboo.
With this approach I’d emphasise, strength is in numbers and trying to note which seniors don’t have the best relationship with the antagonist can serve as a useful tool in bringing the issue to the floor whilst keeping your profile clean. Seniority is the most powerful tool in office politics.
I think if we focus on best practices for social optics/work politics, which is, being the absolute diplomat. The aforementioned method is extremely combative; sadly, if these situations were ever to be examined across firms, I think even if the right outcome is reached, it never goes without leaving a cautionary mark on the individuals that arose the issue - even if they are completely in the right.
Of course this shouldn’t be the way it is, but managing neurotic individuals is part of the game, and your main goal should be shielding yourself from negative press.
You obviously pick up on these techniques and unwritten rules the more time you spend in the industry, but I’d love it if there were a book written by an ex high-finance professional merging office politics & philosophy. You have the aggressor’s perspective from Sun Tzu, but something more akin to passive politics/diplomacy would be great.
If anyone has any good book recommendations for social optics/office politics or related, let me know.
did somebody say antagonist? schyeahhhh fwaeh
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chill dude it’s not that deep…have a beer or something
Nope - non DEI. Strength in numbers is key - if everyone is going against you… you are the problem
Been there. Drop subtle hints to staffer, say you love to work with so and so, see if you can get off this VPs assignments. Why is this VP only like this to you? Good question to answer…not saying it’s on you but good to possibly look at it like that in short order. Additionally, the reality is, some people are just hard to work with. Like another poster said, confine in the other juniors that you can trust, away from the office and ask if they have similar experiences.
In my experience, being combative is a tough route, and is hard to manage. The hard thing to do is not to aim for the VP to like you necessarily (people sniff out brown nosers) but to possibly go out of your way and ask good questions about prospective deals, shoot the shit about the work before it gets into grind mode to show a genuine interest. Ask for their opinion on things one off as it comes across…it might dampen the neuroticism and shows this VP that you mean well.
Lots of people can’t be fixed, even if you try to be buddy-buddy with them. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized people generally don’t change who they are.
Only options are to either stay away or form a mutiny to get him out
Worked at three other firms but you're still an analyst?
Reasonable if including internships
Yeah probably would’ve been good to mention - all were internships
Welcome to the average VP experience
Do what some of the earlier comments say, need to find out from others tactfully. I’ve there have been multiple (respected) people who have gone to the staffer / MDs over this it’s different than if he is well liked.
If he is not well liked you can just be yet another person who doesn’t want to work with him. If he is that’s a different ballgame and nothing you can do.
R u at a MM?
nice username
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