Managers - Do you vent to your boss?

Groupon
jxNN07

Go to company page Groupon

jxNN07
May 30, 2017 10 Comments

Had a spectacularly frustrating meeting with a couple of folks who seem to want to be difficult for the sake of difficulty. In the past I have vented to other engineers about it. Now that I am a manager my job is to protect them from shit. So, who do you managers vent to? Other managers who may not understand the context, or your boss? I feel like venting to your boss ends up backfiring as it defeats the purpose of delegating to me.

comments

Want to comment? LOG IN or SIGN UP
TOP 10 Comments
  • Lyft / Eng
    COUCH1

    Go to company page Lyft Eng

    COUCH1
    Welcome to management. You don't get vent to coworkers. Maybe ask your spouse endure instead?
    May 30, 2017 1
  • Don't bitch to your boss unless you need them to fix something only they can do. Best option is a peer you trust. They may not get all the context, but for sure they can relate. You just need an ear and you will feel better. Not your spouse, that's the worst
    May 30, 2017 1
    • Oracle / Eng
      coke

      Go to company page Oracle Eng

      coke
      That depends on the boss. If they are also a mentor they will typically try to help you navigate the issue instead of resolving it, unless you ask or it really bad.
      May 30, 2017
  • Microsoft / Eng
    CornHolyO

    Go to company page Microsoft Eng

    CornHolyO
    You know the phrase "It's lonely at the top"? This is what management is like, and it only gets worse the higher up you go.
    May 30, 2017 0
  • IBM
    nomoRAs

    Go to company page IBM

    nomoRAs
    Other managers once you get to know them. A mentor or coach would help.
    May 30, 2017 0
  • Google / Mgmt
    goog111

    Go to company page Google Mgmt

    PRE
    Amazon
    goog111
    You've pointed out one of the most frustrating things about being a manager.

    I slowly found a few trusted people (some managers, some fairly senior ICs). You can also connect with people outside of work -- just don't get into confidential shit.

    You can also seek out internal mentors. Google has a matching process for this, but honestly you can probably do just as well seeking out a mentor informally.

    I wouldn't vent to your boss unless you trust them, and have a way of communicating that you're venting. example: I wanted to communicate a tough political situation to my manager, so I prefaced with "I'm going to vent for a minute so you hear out my concerns, but it's unstructured and I'm not asking for help".
    May 30, 2017 1