John M. Swartz

Your questions, my answers. This F.A.Q. has work and play.

QUESTION: My supervisor at work is planing to leave the company. I’d like to be considered for his job, but I don’t want to step on his toes before he’s out the door. What’s the protocol here?

ANSWER: Firstly, I’d like to know just how you know your supervisor is leaving. I can make two guesses. Either he has told you, or you’ve found out “on the sly.” It matters, because one way you’d be able to talk to your supervisor about it. The other way, you’d better be quiet about it until it goes down. I’ll give you an answer for each situation.

If your supervisor has told you, it’s a more clear-cut solution. Simply talk with your supervisor about your desire for his job. He shouldn’t feel threatened. He’s on the way out the door, right? In having this quite candid conversation, you may even be able elicit his help. He can tell you how he got his job. He might even recommend you for the position. A lot can come from this quick and simple talk. But be careful of the timing, don’t put him on the spot. Make sure he has time to answer your questions without interruption. The 15-second elevator ride probably isn’t a good setting, and neither is the stairwell (where anyone could hear without your knowing). One of the best times is in the parking lot, outside of the building, either before or after your shift.

Now, if you’ve heard about his leaving through rumor, or some less scrupulous manner, you will have to hold your cards close. If your supervisor hasn’t told anyone of his plans to leave to company, then there’s always a chance he could change his mind. If you spill the beans, and he decides not to leave, it could make for a hostile work environment. The best thing for you to do is to get your resume packet ready. Get all your ducks in a row, so to speak, so that when your boss makes his move you’re ready to strike. As soon as his two-weeks is announced, go to your hiring manager or his supervisor (whomever it may be in your office) and make known your desire for advancement. Alas, in this situation, a wait-and-see approach is about all there is to do.

QUESTION: I have a couple of friends that I only know through our pick-up basketball games at the gym. We get together twice a week, but we always play basketball and we always play inside. I’d like get outside once the weather gets better. Should I try to get them all to switch games, or should I just try to find a different group who are spending more time outside?

ANSWER: Why do you have to do one or the other? Try both. At your next basketball game, suggest to the guys a different game for next week. Most men are up for almost anything sports-related. I’d bet you’d be surprised how willing they are to play a different game. And if that doesn’t work, you still have to option to find a new group of sports buddies. You said you only knew the one group through basketball, right? So no hurt feelings if you head outside. If you find a new group, you can play hoops one time and get outside the next. You’ll simply be giving yourself more options.

QUESTION: I have a coworker who is into me. I just know it. My office doesn’t really have a really strict no-date policy, but it’s still an office and I need to be sure before I make a move. How can I be sure?

ANSWER: Simple, read this.

—

Do you have a question? Submit it here.