I have never been in this position before. I was hired into a medium sized company in a project management/analyst capacity. I have worked as much as 12 and 14 hour days to make assessments, suggestions, implement change and began documenting the Enterprise Model. It is now 2 (short) months later and my position has accelerated at warp speed and I have ended up as the COO's right hand to the degree that he tells me I am 'too valuable' for things like going on the road for various projects and responsibilities and he wants me 'to walk the same path as him' 'be his eyes and ears' and together we are 're-defining the organization and its culture'. I know that he is starting another venture. There are four partners in this firm, of which he is one. I know that they all have a great deal of respect for me and what I have brought to the table. They are also somewhat intrigued by the COO's firm alliance with me. I have asked for my job description and title since I started and have yet to receive one but my responsibilities have accelerated so quickly, I'm thinking that could be a good thing. However, I'd like to know how to answer that question when it's posed to me! I am also concerned how I will transition into a position that one--I don't know exactly what it is either--and two, I'm concerned at what the other 3 partners reactions will be as it is obviously one of still yet higher responsibility. What job description best fits me and how should I proceed from here in order to transcend the change that seems imminent? Saving Changes...
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Bipin Lekshmanan PMPProject Manager| Wipro TechnologiesEdison, Nj, United States
Looks like you are on a roll! Congrats. Designations and titles can vary depending on organizations. Why don't you ask a different question if you haven't received an asnswer yet. Ask what would be the expectations from you and then think about where would that fit in within your current organizational structure. You don't have to push hard as it seems like things will happen in your case anyway, it's only a matter of time! - just my opinion! Saving Changes...
Anonymous
Thanks for the reply and the vote of confidence Bipin. It's exciting to be sure. I suppose I'm just used to larger organizations where changes such as these take years to occur. It's a bit unnerving. And I'm not quite sure how to answer the questions I get during a typical day on the job from vendors, etc., when they ask me 'So, what do you do for the company?' or they ask me for a business card---which I don't have. I go to social events, trade functions where I represent the company and I feel at a loss when someone asks for my card or gives me theirs. I've brought this up a few times but it hasn't changed anything. I'm hoping it becomes readily apparent next week when we go to DC for a few days. Saving Changes...
Andy JordanPresident| Roffensian Consulting S.A.Cherry Grove, AB, Canada
Anon, I think you raise a number of interesting questions! There are some elements to this that I think you can enjoy the ride on - the fact that your role is evolving and expanding as the company gets to know you and what you can offer can certainly be unnerving, but is typical of a small company that finds the 'perfect fit' employee. If change is happening then make sure that you are not being used as a pawan between the players, but given that you don't have a long history there that shouldn't be too bad if you focus on the work rather than the people. That brings me to the point about what your role is. If no one is telling you then think about how you can best benefit the organisation - what do you offer that they can't get from anyone else - that will ultimately be your niche, and if you understand the company well enough then that will truly be adding value. Hopefully that is also aligned with what the COO is doing. Not trying to make you paranoid, but just be aware that the COO has a different stake here because he has his other company to think about. As far as business cards are concerned, try ordering one without a job title for now - it's legitimate that you should have a card for all the reasons that you stated. If no title doesn't make sense, try something generic - Consultant or something similar. Hope that makes sense, sorry I can't split this post into paragraphs - it would have helped!
Andy Jordan, President, Roffensian Consulting, www.roffensian.com Saving Changes...
Anonymous
Thank you both for your time and consideration. I thought I would let you know the mystery is over, my title was formally announced as the Director of Business Development. Saving Changes...
Bipin Lekshmanan PMPProject Manager| Wipro TechnologiesEdison, Nj, United States
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