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This is the paradoxical struggle I've had, from day one, at the startup for which I work. I was praised for being "fresh eyes" and having "creative ideas", onl

This is the paradoxical struggle I've had, from day one, at the startup for which I work. I was praised for being "fresh eyes" and having "creative ideas", only to be reminded "how we do things here" after producing something that I thought would be a progressive way of addressing the company's challenges. I continue to try new directions, and every once in a while something sticks, but often times I just have to be "another pair of hands" and do things the established way, flaws and all, because often that's what they really want me to do but don't want to admit. It's especially frustrating when I can see the consequences of this a mile away and know that I'll be the one to have to deal with it, but what can I do?

ramphastidae 5y ago
This is normal. If you are an IC or middle manager you are there to execute (do what your boss says). Defining process and culture is not your job. Whether your process is better or not is besides the point. Fighting this will only lead to political pain.
- disgruntledphd2 5y ago
  This is such a depressing, but accurate, comment. Thanks!
- tolbish 5y ago
  Would you say it is also your job to not question things like diversity initiatives?
  - krageon 5y ago
    Yes, if you want to keep your job then you don't question your employers' politics. If you're annoying to your manager (or their manager, etc), they will fabricate reasons to fire you. It might take a while (in countries with employee protection), but they'll get there.
    - tolbish 5y ago
      That sounds like a dreadful work environment you've got there. Some workplaces encourage communication with management, provided it's done respectfully.
      - deleted 5y ago
        [deleted]
- kiawe_fire 5y ago
  Sure. But it’s frustrating when management says that they want me to help improve processes and produce “new and different” only for me to deliver what they say they want and realize they really didn’t want that. In my case, it’s not so much “do what your boss says” so much as it’s “try to figure out if your boss really wants you to do what he/she says or if they just like the idea of change and really just want you to leave everything alone”.

ramphastidae 5y ago

This is normal. If you are an IC or middle manager you are there to execute (do what your boss says). Defining process and culture is not your job. Whether your process is better or not is besides the point. Fighting this will only lead to political pain.

disgruntledphd2 5y ago
This is such a depressing, but accurate, comment. Thanks!
tolbish 5y ago
Would you say it is also your job to not question things like diversity initiatives?
- krageon 5y ago
  Yes, if you want to keep your job then you don't question your employers' politics. If you're annoying to your manager (or their manager, etc), they will fabricate reasons to fire you. It might take a while (in countries with employee protection), but they'll get there.
  - tolbish 5y ago
    That sounds like a dreadful work environment you've got there. Some workplaces encourage communication with management, provided it's done respectfully.
    - deleted 5y ago
      [deleted]
kiawe_fire 5y ago
Sure. But it’s frustrating when management says that they want me to help improve processes and produce “new and different” only for me to deliver what they say they want and realize they really didn’t want that. In my case, it’s not so much “do what your boss says” so much as it’s “try to figure out if your boss really wants you to do what he/she says or if they just like the idea of change and really just want you to leave everything alone”.