T
T

techp

Account Executive

Opinionated
Personal Narrative
Contributor
+2

Recent promotion, bad boss, what next?



Hey guys,

I was promoted last October from SDR team lead to AE. 

(flashback story) in Q1 '22 - I was the only SDR and was firing on all cylinders. Booking left and right (ended up being at 180%). but one of the AEs (now my boss) was busy in their masters program and wouldn't let me book outbound meetings for them so I gave them to the other AEs. I found out from a laid off AE that they called a meeting with not only my boss but the co-founder and the other directors saying I shouldn't be promoted because of this.

So I found this out and it feels like I shouldn't trust my new manager. But on top of all this, I am not growing and not happy under this manager.

I had a recap call after a client call and the manager was really condescending. They don't coach, they tell me what to do. When they are on my calls, they sell over me. When.I send recap emails, they want to reword them and approve them before I send.

All of this and the product we sell has significantly been impacted by the recession so I can feel it's only going to get worse.

The reason I want to stay is the good comp ($160 ote). Good work life balance. I am confident in my ability to sell in the space. 

What would you do?
🧠 Advice
☁️ Software Tech
10

10 comments

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CuriousFox
WR Officer
6
🦊
Well you could always send the recap yourself and cc them.

Document everything. Do your job well. Don't ask for permission.

Are your recaps bad? What are they editing exactly?
antiASKHOLE
Tycoon
2
Bravado's Resident Asshole
exactly
TennisandSales
Politicker
5
Head Of Sales
I would talk to your manager about this!

I wouldnt mention that you know they didnt want you promoted.

but i would let them know in a professional manner that:
- it feels like they dont trust you to do simple things like send emails
- you cant do your best work with them breathing down your neck on calls
- ask what specific things you can do to gain more independence
Justatitle
Big Shot
5
Account Executive
I think that radical candor is a really powerful tool.

In your position I would approach your current manager and address this in a very calm manner. Tell him/her that you enjoy being there and would like to continue to be there however , you know xyz and are feeling a certain way. chances are they are also feeling a certain way about you and if you offer to address it head on they will feel comfortable with you and chances are more likely than not that it could create a far better relationship and squash the beef that currently exists.

The worse that happens is that it doesn't go well and your manager lobbies for you to be let go which they are probably already doing if the case is that they want you gone anyway.

If they are a good manager they would respect you for doing this as well.
Diablo
Politicker
4
Sr. AE
It’s easy to tell to jump ships but that’s not the solution every time as you highlighted. It’s hurts when someone sit on you everytime, I am not going to ask for anyone’s permission if I know something would work. Getting a feedback is good , did you ask him what’s the gaps are in your recaps, may be when you ask this and send the next one he would make someminor changes?
braintank
Politicker
3
Enterprise Account Executive
They sound horrible. Couldn't hurt to look elsewhere.
Sunbunny31
Politicker
2
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
I agree with other posters about talking to your manager.

But I also think it won't hurt to look for other opportunities while you try to get things improved at work. The comment you made that stuck out was that what you sell has been impacted by the economy, which may lead to issues downroad this year.

Remember, you don't have to take another job or accept an offer if it doesn't fit or isn't a better situation. Right now, you have a good job with a few wrinkles, so you have the luxury of taking time and assessing the market for your role. If you do find something better, then you have a choice to make.
Kosta_Konfucius
Politicker
2
Sales Rep
You a year in as an AE and its OTE of 160k. That's pretty good as long as OTE is somewhat realistic.

I will for sure do a littleRadical Candor with that manager. Say its your goals to run the entire meetings and truly own the process. The typical manager will like that.

I had the conversation, which limited them taking over meetings. And if they did, they alwaysapologized.

Also what is the back story on this person being your manager, if they didnt want you to be promoted. Why are your now an AE under them?
punishedlad
Tycoon
0
Business Development Team Lead
Exactly! They won't know they're bothering you or what your goals are if you aren't communicating it to them. If they react negatively to a conversation like that, they're not a good manager...
Gasty
Notable Contributor
0
War Room Community Manager
If the cofounder is buying their story even after you hitting 180%, that’s more than a reason to jump ship. I’d double check the story from the laid-off employee though.

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