your thoughts..

[NiceUpNorth]

Hi All

would love your thoughts on the following

Client announced yesterday that the individual i replaced is to return early from a secondment in another department of the public sector organisation due to, well lets say 'failure to attain KPIs'.

Client says they will return to their role on Monday.

I have contract until 24/12, which has 14 day notice clause.

Client explained that he felt i was still required as my techy skills out shine the returning manager, but that they have fundimental business knowledge so thinks that we could both run in the same role.

I am a little nervous of what may come in the next weeks as currently i get all my tasks done by late morning or early afternoon, so don't think there is the workload to keep 2 people running.

Has anyone been in this situation before? What was the outcome.

I just feel that the rug is going to get pulled out from under me a little early, and for something that was outside of my control. But hey ho... Its Friday

Any comments / advice welcome

[cojak]

Suck it and see..

An unusual situation certainly - I would keep your wits about you regarding the KPI failure guy.

Try to find out what he failed on, that way you'll be aware of the risks and consequences of this working relationship that you'll have with him.

But don't forget - you invoice, they pay...

[northernladuk]

Agree with Cojak.

I would add though, try and understand the politics/structure and finances of the area. Remember your a business and not an individual so need to start thinking like this. Your manager has budget for you, he has to deliver to his managers. Think about the type of manager he is and what his position he is. For example.

Are you in a difficult environment with resource shortages, pressure, deadlines. Your paid for so not blowing any budgets, your manager has targets to meet. If thats the case your pretty safe, only an idiot would finish you just to give budget back for which he is actually likely to get next years reduced.

Are you in a project environment where costs are paramount and one of those situations where they are hell bent on meeting costs knowing full well its actually going to make the project extend on an emergency budget. Thing is they can put a tick in a box that by the expected end date of the project was met in budget. If so I would get a little nervous as you could be a dead cost.

Either way, proactively go out and look for other work and present it to your manager. If its good for him and all he has to do is nod then away you go. Manage your manager.

Hope this helps.

[NiceUpNorth]

Try to find out what he failed on, that way you'll be aware of the risks and consequences of this working relationship that you'll have with him.

They miss reported figures which went to the board which were completely ripped apart.

[NiceUpNorth]

Are you in a project environment where costs are paramount and one of those situations where they are hell bent on meeting costs knowing full well its actually going to make the project extend on an emergency budget. Thing is they can put a tick in a box that by the expected end date of the project was met in budget. If so I would get a little nervous as you could be a dead cost.

Either way, proactively go out and look for other work and present it to your manager. If its good for him and all he has to do is nod then away you go. Manage your manager.

Hope this helps.

Not project, more day to day management of company core system. I have 2 smallish projects that I was due to start in the next 2 weeks, but these are simple configeration of additional modules into the core system. I am thinking UAT may take a little longer than i outlined in my initial project documentation

[BolshieBastard]

Hi All

would love your thoughts on the following

Client announced yesterday that the individual i replaced is to return early from a secondment in another department of the public sector organisation due to, well lets say 'failure to attain KPIs'.

Client says they will return to their role on Monday.

I have contract until 24/12, which has 14 day notice clause.

Client explained that he felt i was still required as my techy skills out shine the returning manager, but that they have fundimental business knowledge so thinks that we could both run in the same role.

I am a little nervous of what may come in the next weeks as currently i get all my tasks done by late morning or early afternoon, so don't think there is the workload to keep 2 people running.

Has anyone been in this situation before? What was the outcome.

I just feel that the rug is going to get pulled out from under me a little early, and for something that was outside of my control. But hey ho... Its Friday

Any comments / advice welcome

Bottom line is you're being edged out. Dont expect a renewal and start looking for another role.

[northernladuk]

Hey Bolshie,

Have you ever thought about doing a 2 sentance reply WITHOUT quoting the entire original text??

[northernladuk]

Not project, more day to day management of company core system. I have 2 smallish projects that I was due to start in the next 2 weeks, but these are simple configeration of additional modules into the core system. I am thinking UAT may take a little longer than i outlined in my initial project documentation

I would guess then your are budget'd for and these costs are now fixed and accepted. As long as your within budget and arn't too close to the budget holder I can't see why they would can you on a financial basis unless there is some bad overrun going on and you would know that from general chat around the office.

I would proactively go out and make yourself useful and then take this back to the manager and tell him. Keeps you out of his hair, adds value to the team and everyone is happy.

[BolshieBastard]

Hey Bolshie,

Have you ever thought about doing a 2 sentance reply WITHOUT quoting the entire original text??

Nope. Why the feck should I edit someone's post!?