SmartMindsFx:
The lioness hunts for food but lion claims the food and eats to his satisfaction before letting the hunter get a cut.

Buh wait o!
Are you telling me you want to showcase your talent to the GMD so once you are noticed, you'll be promoted over your current immediate boss?

This is Nigeria man.
Your immediate boss won't want you ahead of him na.

If you wanna take credit for your work, become your own boss.

Check my signature for more details.

it's not about Naija. It is the same all over the world.

Law 7: Let others do the work for you, but always take the credit.

Use the wisdom, knowledge and legwork of others to further your cause. Not only will such assistance save you valuable time and energy, it will give you a godlike aura of efficiency and speed. In the end your helpers will be forgotten and you will be remembered. Never do for yourself what others can do for you.

48 Laws of power.

MrOpp:
Hello my fellow NLers,

I have been spending quite sometime on this forum recently, TBH, it has been informative, entertaining & quite educative.

I am presently in a dilemma and I need urgent input from experienced NLers, I believe we have experienced career people here that must have gone through what am going through at the moment.

I got a job about 6months ago, its quite a good job, thanks to Nairaland job section, on resumption I notice there was a total overhaul of my dept, all former staff were fired and we were employ to replace them. I resume same day with my Dept Manager two months later a junior officer was employ to join us.

I have had a fantastic relationship with my manager the past six months, and we are in good terms, we drive home together everyday, we chat, have quality conversation, even lunch together etc. but am really becoming worried about something else....

My manger seems to take credit for all my work, he somehow deny me opportunity to prove my worth to top management. Now I will give you a typical instance.

Whenever our GMD comes around, there is always a meeting with one rep from each dept. not neccessarily the departmental head, in his absence am suppose to represent the department, he denies me of opportunity like this.


He has on many occassions deny my opportunity to meet the GMD on job related issues, when the GMD needs to see someone from my dept. or sign some documents even in his absence, he either call me to handover documents to the GMD secretary or send an office assistant to drop the document.

Furthermore, on resumption, I noticed the coy still run their account dept manually, an accounting software was introduce, a software i have used for years, which he (my Manager) is not familiar with, though after the software was deploy, we were trained, even after the training he seems not to know his way around the software interface, i single handedly automated all historial data for the previous 2yrs, and my manager took the credit at the magt meetings. Without even mentioning my name, its really annoying.

I am totally pissed right not cos, he just got a pay rise courtesy to the successful deployment and automation of the accounting system, which he knows absolutely nothing about, which i singledhandedly, paintstakingly work on for over 6months even investing my Saturdays.

The above is one instance out of so many.

I expect a manager to represent work done my the department he manages as "WE in so & so dept" I have overheard him many times using "I".

He personally ask me not to pass any dept info to mgt staff member, and all enquiries should be refered to him. I feel he doesnt want me to shine.

I need advise from fellow NLers who have gone through similar situation.

This is not really going well with me.

My brother I feel your pain. However, you need to understand that your boss is doing what bosses are supposed to do. They're there to take credit for the work of subordinates, that is how corporate structure works.

Everything you did under him as far as the company is concerned you did it through him, whether that is actually true or not is irrelevant.

It's obvious that you're ambitious and want to advance quickly. Luckily, you said you have a good relationship with your manager. My advice is that you leverage that relationship and exercise a great deal of patience as you wait for your turn.

Approach him for mentorship, play humble and tell him you would like to learn from him. When he feels more secure with you and convinced that you are on his side, he will gradually expose you to opportunities to work directly with upper management.

Elder0001:


You lack wisdom

You on your path, have never had wisdom.
Let alone lacking it.

coolcharm:
Hey OP,

I have a feeling that you are in your late 20's or early 30's.. I might be wrong, but I strongly sense so because you exuade so much energy and ambition with your write up.

While it is not a bad thing, you need to simmer down.

In corporate settings, there are always structured reporting lines, and you are his direct report!, Except you want to become his competition, which is what him 'stealing your shine' implies.

No matter how intelligent or smart you think you are on the job, never make the mistake of outsining your master (in this case, your boss).

That is the first law in Robert Greene's '48 Laws of Power'.

I leave you with excerpts from that book;

Law 1: Never Outshine the Master - Keys to Power
Robert Greene

Everyone has insecurities. When you show yourself in the world and display your talents, you naturally stir up all kinds of resentment, envy, and other manifestations of insecurity. This is to be expected. You cannot spend your life worrying about the petty feelings of others.

With those above you, however, you must take a different approach: when it comes to power, outshining the master is perhaps the worst mistake of all.

Do not fool yourself into thinking that life has changed much since the days of Louis XIV and the Medicis.

Those who attain high standing in life are like kings and queens: they want to feel secure in their positions, and superior to those around them in intelligence, wit, and charm.

It is a deadly but common misperception to believe that by displaying and vaunting your gifts and talents, you are winning the master's affection.

He may feign appreciation, but at his first opportunity he will replace you with someone less intelligent, less attractive, less threatening, just as Louis XIV replaced the sparkling Fouquet with the bland Colbert. And as with Louis, he will not admit the truth, but will find an excuse to rid himself of your presence.

------------------------------ End of quote --------------------------------



My final advice to you is to find a balance your ambition with patience and wisdom.

Listen to this man. Every advice you need is intact here. Your day will come

Enjoy the free ride, free foods and tips you get from him while it last...!

Boss will always be boss* dunno why you not accepting the fact that he’s your boss...!

Good luck bro

ejibaba:


Sorry to ask what tribe? Yoruba right? Ain't a tribal person but Yoruba's as managers are so funny leaders, as the fear of losing their jobs makes them take certain actions.

This is an odd addition to an otherwise sane discussion.


OP: I think the advice not to outshine your leader; to be patient; remain humble; demonstrate loyalty to your immediate boss; maintain your good relationship, and pay your dues; these will do you much more good than "arrogantly" displaying your intelligence and abilities. I say arrogantly, not because you are, but because of how it will be perceived. I've quoted this entire post below because I think it's important enough to be read twice... very very good words here:

babadee1:

My brother I feel your pain. However, you need to understand that your boss is doing what bosses are supposed to do. They're there to take credit for the work of subordinates, that is how corporate structure works.

Everything you did under him as far as the company is concerned you did it through him, whether that is actually true or not is irrelevant.

It's obvious that you're ambitious and want to advance quickly. Luckily, you said you have a good relationship with your manager. My advice is that you leverage that relationship and exercise a great deal of patience as you wait for your turn.

Approach him for mentorship, play humble and tell him you would like to learn from him. When he feels more secure with you and convinced that you are on his side, he will gradually expose you to opportunities to work directly with upper management.

He is a manager, you are a rep. Oga use your head now. There is a reason he is the manager! Your job is safe as long as he is taking credit. Use head brother. You are just 6 months and you are feeling you know everything that has happened and is happening. Your GMD may know what is going on but chose to be silent. There is a way these guys do things. You want to outshine your master, where is it done. Your loyalty is what is most needed here. You only need wisdom to play the politics. You can have what you want without hurting his ego or seeing him as a barrier. Use your head!

SlimBrawnie:
The guy seems to know/read the kind of person you are that's why he's trying this shit with you.

Always make sure you copy a superior in all your mails.. Nothing like he doesn't want that, he didn't hire you and you have the right to put whoever you want in the company in copy.

Make sure you include you name/signature on whatever you do and insist that the original copy must be the one in circulation.

You should have an HR in the company, put him or her in copy and report the matter to the HR if this guy tries to intimidate you with his position.

You've gotten too familiar with him and I think you are trying to avoid having any issues with him, reason why you've not taken any action yet... Avoid such relationships in a work place
Express yourself boldly but make sure you don't have prolonged issues with him.

Try your best possible to always make yourself relevant wherever you find yourself.

Don’t listen to this advice. You will be replace. Your Boss appraises you. Even if there is no formal appraisals, top management will get feedback about you from him. That’s how it’s being done.

Your Boss is new and still trying to consolidate his position with his own Bosses. I don’t think he is threatened by you, but he is threaten by the impression his Bosses have about him. Continue to make him shine and as you do, Top management will realized that the made the right decision in hiring the right staff. Don’t forget you are actually occupying some people’s space who were sacked. Your focus is ensuring your job/dept is safe by continuing working and allowing your Boss strengthen relationship. If you go the route you are thinking, Top management will sack you and leave your Boss. Team work is actually an important skill.

coolcharm:
Hey OP,

I have a feeling that you are in your late 20's or early 30's.. I might be wrong, but I strongly sense so because you exuade so much energy and ambition with your write up.

While it is not a bad thing, you need to simmer down.

In corporate settings, there are always structured reporting lines, and you are his direct report!, Except you want to become his competition, which is what him 'stealing your shine' implies.

No matter how intelligent or smart you think you are on the job, never make the mistake of outsining your master (in this case, your boss).

That is the first law in Robert Greene's '48 Laws of Power'.

I leave you with excerpts from that book;

Law 1: Never Outshine the Master - Keys to Power
Robert Greene

Everyone has insecurities. When you show yourself in the world and display your talents, you naturally stir up all kinds of resentment, envy, and other manifestations of insecurity. This is to be expected. You cannot spend your life worrying about the petty feelings of others.

With those above you, however, you must take a different approach: when it comes to power, outshining the master is perhaps the worst mistake of all.

Do not fool yourself into thinking that life has changed much since the days of Louis XIV and the Medicis.

Those who attain high standing in life are like kings and queens: they want to feel secure in their positions, and superior to those around them in intelligence, wit, and charm.

It is a deadly but common misperception to believe that by displaying and vaunting your gifts and talents, you are winning the master's affection.

He may feign appreciation, but at his first opportunity he will replace you with someone less intelligent, less attractive, less threatening, just as Louis XIV replaced the sparkling Fouquet with the bland Colbert. And as with Louis, he will not admit the truth, but will find an excuse to rid himself of your presence.

------------------------------ End of quote --------------------------------



My final advice to you is to find a balance your ambition with patience and wisdom.

You are a God

Damn!

Respect

coolcharm:
Hey OP,

I have a feeling that you are in your late 20's or early 30's.. I might be wrong, but I strongly sense so because you exuade so much energy and ambition with your write up.

While it is not a bad thing, you need to simmer down.

In corporate settings, there are always structured reporting lines, and you are his direct report!, Except you want to become his competition, which is what him 'stealing your shine' implies.

No matter how intelligent or smart you think you are on the job, never make the mistake of outsining your master (in this case, your boss).

That is the first law in Robert Greene's '48 Laws of Power'.

I leave you with excerpts from that book;

Law 1: Never Outshine the Master - Keys to Power
Robert Greene

Everyone has insecurities. When you show yourself in the world and display your talents, you naturally stir up all kinds of resentment, envy, and other manifestations of insecurity. This is to be expected. You cannot spend your life worrying about the petty feelings of others.

With those above you, however, you must take a different approach: when it comes to power, outshining the master is perhaps the worst mistake of all.

Do not fool yourself into thinking that life has changed much since the days of Louis XIV and the Medicis.

Those who attain high standing in life are like kings and queens: they want to feel secure in their positions, and superior to those around them in intelligence, wit, and charm.

It is a deadly but common misperception to believe that by displaying and vaunting your gifts and talents, you are winning the master's affection.

He may feign appreciation, but at his first opportunity he will replace you with someone less intelligent, less attractive, less threatening, just as Louis XIV replaced the sparkling Fouquet with the bland Colbert. And as with Louis, he will not admit the truth, but will find an excuse to rid himself of your presence.

------------------------------ End of quote --------------------------------



My final advice to you is to find a balance your ambition with patience and wisdom.

Damn you just spoke my mind. Never outshine the master. The truth is you can also play the game as well if he is using you also find a way to make him work for you. But be very smart about it.

SlimBrawnie:
The guy seems to know/read the kind of person you are that's why he's trying this shit with you.

Always make sure you copy a superior in all your mails.. Nothing like he doesn't want that, he didn't hire you and you have the right to put whoever you want in the company in copy.

Make sure you include you name/signature on whatever you do and insist that the original copy must be the one in circulation.

You should have an HR in the company, put him or her in copy and report the matter to the HR if this guy tries to intimidate you with his position.

You've gotten too familiar with him and I think you are trying to avoid having any issues with him, reason why you've not taken any action yet... Avoid such relationships in a work place
Express yourself boldly but make sure you don't have prolonged issues with him.

Try your best possible to always make yourself relevant wherever you find yourself.

did you read well. The organization seems structured. How are sure the income of that compny isn’t coming from the manager. I mean he is the one bringing in businesses. As much as businesses like to cut cost thus adopting technology like he stated, they are bothered more about revenues and income. Is OP brining in more new businesses than the manager? I don’t think so!

OP, I can understand your frustration. However, I will like to advise you to talk things easy. Continue to do your job happily. No matter how much he tries to shield you from being noticed by executive management, one day you will be spotted out for honor. Will he not go on leave? Won't he have reasons not to come to office someday? Just wait for your opportunity and God will raise you up. After one opportunity, the truth will be known by your management and they will see the game he is playing and they will be requesting for you to attend some of the strategic meetings he is trying to shield you from.

Just keep your calm and continue praying that should favour you and bless the work of your hands.

Best regards

A lot of good advises which I certainly agree with has been earlier posted and if I may add, pls never try to outshine the team, its called a team for a reason, your drive for recognition is stemming from this. Addressing ur GM may even turn out to be a disaster as he will sense ur hunger for recognition and take it as a lack of team spirit. I understand ur pain but ur time will come, keep improving yourself and you will grow, ur ambition should be global not local. A lone wolf never catches game.

MrOpp:
Thanks, Yes I'm in my 30's, & I have read the above quoted book, TBH, I don't intend to outshine him, he is way more experience than I am, I respect his position, but I also believe managers should give their subordinate opportunity to showcase the little there can offer. that's how subordinate can learn. I also believe managers shouldn't colonize praises, credit & benefits, rather credit and benefit should be given across board.

My dear it's happens everywhere. He has advised you; patience and wisdom will really help you in this situation.
Did you think Dr Dre was the best in his prime or even Don jazzy. There were some credits Dr Dre took that was done by Daz dallinger in the 90's.
Patience, Grace and wisdom bro.

My dear, I totally understand that feeling. You need to understand that he is the head of your department so technically any success and progress from his team is a win for him. The Oga’s just want result not who contributed to the result. Ask yourself? Are you there to work, gain experience and contribute to development of the organization or you are there to get a pat on the back for a job welldone? As long as you are good at what you do and you do it diligently. Your light can’t hide. Your time will come.

Don’t ever be on your boss bad book even if he’s a slowpoke. Don’t. Let your boss so depend on you that without you he can’t get results that way he will start giving you the respect and acknowledgement you deserve. Asskiss with wisdom.

majekdom2:
did you read well. The organization seems structured. How are sure the income of that compny isn’t coming from the manager. I mean he is the one bringing in businesses. As much as businesses like to cut cost thus adopting technology like he stated, they are bothered more about revenues and income. Is OP brining in more new businesses than the manager? I don’t think so!

Apart from that, the manager can replace op easily by bringing in someone less qualified and have him or her trained up to speed. Managers and HRs are like 5 and 6.

I think I can give my own migre quota....
Sir first of all this is a job,and not your personal business
Do not resent your boss,believe me 'most' bosses are like that
Keep doing your best- don't decide to do lesser than you can do because of your boss..
You never can tell how you will shine. ..
Lastly your boss is your friend ,you can ask for favours (don't know if that's ethical though)

You need to be careful here. Very careful and diplomatic. Just continue honing your skills, learning new things, getting better at things you already know and bide your time. The time to prove your worth will come. It may take time but it will one day. I am speaking from experience. Don't do anything to force attention on yourself unless it is unavoidable.
Does your company carry out a performance review yearly? This may be an avenue to show what you can do. Don't make your displeasure obvious to your boss. He is your boss and hence you are directly answerable to him.
Don't dwell on this and lose your opportunity.

MrOpp:
Many thanks, I think the bolded is what I just have to do, copying a superior has always been part of the problem, he doesn't want that, anything going to anyone outside the finance dept must pass through him. Its really frustrating. All the same, many thanks once again.

please sir,I want to know the name of the accounting software

this is a serious matter ooo.
God will see you through bro

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You deserve to receive credit for your Outstanding performances.. I was always projected to be noticed by my line Manager in my previous job.

He teaches me how to execute certain things.. when he is submitting my report, he always gives me the credit.. notifying all the CCs that it was my work.

He wanted me to grow too.


Where i am working presently, I do same.


But, never you play "I too know".

Note further: If you are teaching your boss what he doesn't know, do it with decorum.


Every Boss wanna feel like a boss.

Thanks.

coolcharm:
Hey OP,

I have a feeling that you are in your late 20's or early 30's.. I might be wrong, but I strongly sense so because you exuade so much energy and ambition with your write up.

While it is not a bad thing, you need to simmer down.

In corporate settings, there are always structured reporting lines, and you are his direct report!, Except you want to become his competition, which is what him 'stealing your shine' implies.

No matter how intelligent or smart you think you are on the job, never make the mistake of outsining your master (in this case, your boss).

That is the first law in Robert Greene's '48 Laws of Power'.

I leave you with excerpts from that book;

Law 1: Never Outshine the Master - Keys to Power
Robert Greene

Everyone has insecurities. When you show yourself in the world and display your talents, you naturally stir up all kinds of resentment, envy, and other manifestations of insecurity. This is to be expected. You cannot spend your life worrying about the petty feelings of others.

With those above you, however, you must take a different approach: when it comes to power, outshining the master is perhaps the worst mistake of all.

Do not fool yourself into thinking that life has changed much since the days of Louis XIV and the Medicis.

Those who attain high standing in life are like kings and queens: they want to feel secure in their positions, and superior to those around them in intelligence, wit, and charm.

It is a deadly but common misperception to believe that by displaying and vaunting your gifts and talents, you are winning the master's affection.

He may feign appreciation, but at his first opportunity he will replace you with someone less intelligent, less attractive, less threatening, just as Louis XIV replaced the sparkling Fouquet with the bland Colbert. And as with Louis, he will not admit the truth, but will find an excuse to rid himself of your presence.

------------------------------ End of quote --------------------------------



My final advice to you is to find a balance your ambition with patience and wisdom.

Very apt. I made that mistake before coming across that book.
I was a new employee, bright and full of creative ideas. I was always making timely and great suggestions. Never knew my manager wasn't happy. He saw me as too forward. The first thing he did was to fling me to a far and irrelevant branch. Away from the hub of power. He publicly humiliated me, but back then, I used to be a fiery headed person. I got my pound of flesh later but it cost me my job.
From that irrelevant branch the chairman selected me to be the head of a committee that will x-ray and examine every activities of staff and also proffer recommendation. The chairman was looking for a no-nonsense person. Someone who cannot be intimated or cowed. At the end of the exercise, you can guess my recommendation. It was a scathing report against the management staff and the MD. He was immediately relieved of his position and transfer to an obscure subsidiary.and me? I was later axed by another over-zealous newbie lol

Boss13:


Don’t listen to this advice. You will be replace. Your Boss appraises you. Even if there is no formal appraisals, top management will get feedback about you from him. That’s how it’s being done.

Your Boss is new and still trying to consolidate his position with his own Bosses. I don’t think he is threatened by you, but he is threaten by the impression his Bosses have about him. Continue to make him shine and as you do, Top management will realized that the made the right decision in hiring the right staff. Don’t forget you are actually occupying some people’s space who were sacked. Your focus is ensuring your job/dept is safe by continuing working and allowing your Boss strengthen relationship. If you go the route you are thinking, Top management will sack you and leave your Boss. Team work is actually an important skill.

Okay o... I wrote based on experience with an International and well structured organization that knows the value of those staff that prove their worth. Not everyone can tolerate bullsh.it from a superior but I think you are right cos in Nigerian firms, they start threatening you with a sack letter and eventually sack you.

whatever you do apply caution. Calm down, continue to put in your best and soon, I mean very soon your own time will come. God, nature has a way of rewarding hardwork.
cheers.

ShamsBarack:

But who told you every company has appraisal?

Every company has an appraisal.
Be it formal or informal, verbal or documented, manual or automated... There is some sort of appraisal in every organization or gathering of people.

Take your time to read 48 laws of power. Pinpoint the first law. My two cents /kobo for you.

there was a time my assistant reported issue direct my Gm and the Gm ask him if I'm aware before he sacked him. I always play a loyal politics

Google the 48 laws of power. Read the summary and digest. I don't comment on nairaland.com, but you need elderly wisdom and guidance. Take your time and make decision. My 2kobo for you.

MrOpp:
Hello my fellow NLers,

I have been spending quite sometime on this forum recently, TBH, it has been informative, entertaining & quite educative.

I am presently in a dilemma and I need urgent input from experienced NLers, I believe we have experienced career people here that must have gone through what am going through at the moment.

I got a job about 6months ago, its quite a good job, thanks to Nairaland job section, on resumption I notice there was a total overhaul of my dept, all former staff were fired and we were employ to replace them. I resume same day with my Dept Manager two months later a junior officer was employ to join us.

I have had a fantastic relationship with my manager the past six months, and we are in good terms, we drive home together everyday, we chat, have quality conversation, even lunch together etc. but am really becoming worried about something else....

My manger seems to take credit for all my work, he somehow deny me opportunity to prove my worth to top management. Now I will give you a typical instance.

Whenever our GMD comes around, there is always a meeting with one rep from each dept. not neccessarily the departmental head, in his absence am suppose to represent the department, he denies me of opportunity like this.


He has on many occassions deny my opportunity to meet the GMD on job related issues, when the GMD needs to see someone from my dept. or sign some documents even in his absence, he either call me to handover documents to the GMD secretary or send an office assistant to drop the document.

Furthermore, on resumption, I noticed the coy still run their account dept manually, an accounting software was introduce, a software i have used for years, which he (my Manager) is not familiar with, though after the software was deploy, we were trained, even after the training he seems not to know his way around the software interface, i single handedly automated all historial data for the previous 2yrs, and my manager took the credit at the magt meetings. Without even mentioning my name, its really annoying.

I am totally pissed right not cos, he just got a pay rise courtesy to the successful deployment and automation of the accounting system, which he knows absolutely nothing about, which i singledhandedly, paintstakingly work on for over 6months even investing my Saturdays.

The above is one instance out of so many.

I expect a manager to represent work done my the department he manages as "WE in so & so dept" I have overheard him many times using "I".

He personally ask me not to pass any dept info to mgt staff member, and all enquiries should be refered to him. I feel he doesnt want me to shine.

I need advise from fellow NLers who have gone through similar situation.

This is not really going well with me.

He is your manager right?

You need to distance yourself away from him diplomatically, desist from having lunch with him, lengthy conversations and joining him back home. That way he would not have the confidence to Boss you around(i.e giving you instructions on who and who not to communicate with). Keep playing cool but try to get close to any manager that's open-minded, just in case he starts feeling insecure and wants to write bad report about you, there would be someone to question his report.

Op ,I know this can be very annoying in work settings ;from you write up,i can see you are directly reporting to him and that is because of the close structure of the Organization.

I am not passing any judgement yet,but any manager or HOD that uses the word "I" instead of "We" is not motivating his workers in anyway..

Recommendation
Op you should not be too quick to shoot yourself on the foot,this kind of managers who takes undue credits can go to any length to see there position is secured and not treathened..You should keep your head down even as you prove ur worth in your workplace,Never try to outshine him but always make sure you CC any mail you send to him ,Copy your HR manager or anyother Superior officer in the Organization hierarchy..
When you do this ,wait for his response,if he takes it too personal,you can talk a higher officer and those that matters about it ,but secretly..

Don't quarrel with him,but reduce your closeness with him.. And remember be loyal to the office he occupies and sametime,be bold enough to prove your worth... Remember he has a say in your Appraisal...