QUESTION: My new manager thinks I am loyal to my previous manager, who is now my manager’s peer.
REALTY: You might have passed on some information to your previous manager, which was used against the new manager.
Some manager-subordinate relationships are rather strong indeed; they tend to outlast a stint in the same team or company. In such cases, when the subordinate moves to a new team, he would continue to seek advice from his mentor—the previous manager. The advice may even be on the kind of issues he is facing with his new manager.
There is no harm in the taking or giving of such advice. But things can turn ugly if some of this information is used against the subordinate’s new manager, who is a peer of the previous one’s. This might not have happened on purpose, but the new manager could well jump to the conclusion that it was so. And if it happens again, the new manager might confirm his suspicions about the subordinate’s leaking information, and may start sidelining him or not involving him in key Meetings.
In that kind of a situation, the new manager should first speak to the subordinate about the information leak and advise him against the practice. The previous manager, too, should learn his lesson and realize his mistake in sharing the data, leading to an uncomfortable position for his trusted friend But the biggest learning lies with the subordinate. He should have good soft skills to manage both these managers. He can do so by sharing only that information which would not cause any harm to anyone. If he has to share something confidential which is bothering him and is consequently seeking advice from his mentor, he should tell him explicitly that the information is not to be shared.
WHAT CAN YOU DO AS THE EMPLOYEE? You need to be careful not to be a pawn in anyone’s game. If your remarks have been misinterpreted or misunderstood, you should clarify this with your manager. Focus on work, rather than gossip.
WHAT CAN YOU DO AS THE MANAGER? Rather than get angry with your subordinate, understand the context and provide proper feedback to him. The way you handle the situation will say a-lot about you.
