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Variations of "stick with the plan" and "we have visibility you don't". Keep in mind I'm an already experienced Product Manager at this point brought on specif

Variations of "stick with the plan" and "we have visibility you don't". Keep in mind I'm an already experienced Product Manager at this point brought on specifically because I had a proven background in full product lifecycle, revenue growth and communication to higher ups at companies running on the 10-100MM revenue and profits in the 10% range. I got there because I know how to schmooze the C-suite. I appreciate you're trying to turn this into a "work on your communications skills to get ahead" coaching opportunity but this was not the case. It was my first, and I hope only, experience with yes men being thoughtless yes men.

mixmastamyk 4y ago
I asked because you ended the story somewhat early, which was a bit unsatisfying. Now I suppose you could humor these folks and look a bit foolish all the while collecting big paychecks. Or you could nip it in the bud at risk of souring the relationship. Believe I’d choose differently depending on how old I was at the time. It’s on my mind because last night I watched “the bodyguard” (final night on Netflix). Main character nips all bullishit in the bud immediately, increases his rate by 1/3 and gains respect at the same time. Have to deliver however.
- passwordoops 4y ago
  Yeah, it was tough because the CTO was either a flake or already checked out and the Head of Engineering was a brown nose who would do whatever the last executive told him to do. Totally different reality from the answers I got at the interview. In this situation, unless you have a spot in the C suite, or a defender, you have to play ball because the decisions happen behind your back. It was very disheartening because it was clear being a yes man who steals the credit and finding fall guys got you ahead. If that's the culture, there's really not much you can do but play ball or leave. And if you're not "in", playing ball means getting all the blame. I wasn't "in", but luckily since most conversations were over slack or email I always had documented evidence that they couldn't deny. But the people responsible wouldn't be held responsible. Again I've been at a few places, and I've never experienced anything similar, and I hope I never do.

mixmastamyk 4y ago

I asked because you ended the story somewhat early, which was a bit unsatisfying. Now I suppose you could humor these folks and look a bit foolish all the while collecting big paychecks. Or you could nip it in the bud at risk of souring the relationship. Believe I’d choose differently depending on how old I was at the time. It’s on my mind because last night I watched “the bodyguard” (final night on Netflix). Main character nips all bullishit in the bud immediately, increases his rate by 1/3 and gains respect at the same time. Have to deliver however.

passwordoops 4y ago
Yeah, it was tough because the CTO was either a flake or already checked out and the Head of Engineering was a brown nose who would do whatever the last executive told him to do. Totally different reality from the answers I got at the interview. In this situation, unless you have a spot in the C suite, or a defender, you have to play ball because the decisions happen behind your back. It was very disheartening because it was clear being a yes man who steals the credit and finding fall guys got you ahead. If that's the culture, there's really not much you can do but play ball or leave. And if you're not "in", playing ball means getting all the blame. I wasn't "in", but luckily since most conversations were over slack or email I always had documented evidence that they couldn't deny. But the people responsible wouldn't be held responsible. Again I've been at a few places, and I've never experienced anything similar, and I hope I never do.