Awkward situation with boss at a foreign led start up

Question

Scene: I'm director of sales at a startup. My boss is the VP. We are the only two Americans for this foreign start up. Well only two American leaders. Small SDR and AE team. HQ has asked that I visit. They didn't tell my boss, who I like btw. Boss didnt' believe me at first until they told him like three days later. Boss is pushing hard to go, doesn't want me to go without him, wants to take a "united front." He even jokingly asked me if I was replacing him.

Some of my friends who are familiar with that culture think something is up. One fact to bear in mind is my boss already visited them a few months ago. So it really could be nothing.

But, he's pushing to go, and they haven't said yes. We're locked in a tiny WeWork room so it's kind of just staring us in the face, It being the awkward situation.

Thoughts?

Accepted Answer

It’s not your problem, is it?

Answer

Suspect that awkward situation will sort itself out real quick..likely when you get back from the trip and find it's just you in the WeWork. There is no good reason why the HQ would not have made your boss aware of the trip in advance (not after the fact)...if nothing else but to make sure there is sufficient coverage while you're out or simply to explain the reason for your trip and their expectations from it. In most cases, a trip like that would have been coordinated with the involvement of your boss...the fact it was not....pretty telling.

Answer

Head down, chin up.

Answer

It's not really fair for him to expect you not to go. After all, he went a few months ago without you

Answer

I wouldnt push hard on him joining, maybe ask one time if they should come too, after that leave it a lone

Answer

Been in this position. Keep your head down. That guy will try to throw you under the bus and take credit for your wins. Do as the leaders above him ask.

Answer

Really what everyone said!! Not your problem. This doesn't sound very supportive of your VP tbh. Just head down, chin up. Don't worry too much or get involved. Maybe - Maybe something good is waiting for you at the door.

Answer

Been there, it was challenging. They cant expect you not to go, stick to your lane and suggest he go talk to them personally. Easy to speculate, you cant give the answers they want anyway

Answer

Stay positive hq is in charge so follow their requests

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I’d just say totally cool by me. Let me know what the company says

Answer

This is really not your problem and you didn't create it. He's probably on the wrong end of this deal but you aren't making that decision. Welcome to corporate America/ foreign(they sound British, brits do this)

Answer

doesnt sound like you have anything to worry about.

Answer

Not his decision - it could just be as simple as not wanting to budget a trip for an additional person.  It’s also not your decision, so I’d just keep doing the job as usual.

Answer

I would take direction from the executive suite before defaulting to your direct report. Even if you like the guy, it's not like you're going to be able to obfuscate his way out of the decision they've likely already made.

Answer

How did this work out in the end? I presume it was nothing and all is good?

Juancallclose

Awkward situation with boss at a foreign led start up

20 comments

Juancallclose

Awkward situation with boss at a foreign led start up

20 comments

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