Included, then not included - advice

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified)
in
Management and Leadership

 Hi all, 

Guys, once again thank you for all the invaluable information and insights that the team at Manager Tools provide as well as the forum members.  I have a question about how to handle being included, then not included in higher level management meetings. 

Background: So I was asked by my boss', boss' boss , Owen (I had been seconded under him for 6 months and I have a good working relationship with him) to hold weekly video conference meetings with my boss' (Colin) peer group to help build relationships across this level.  I am also seen as an equal with Colin (we now both report to the level 2 boss, Jodie). At these weekly video conferences we discuss what's going on around each state and have a great network happening now (lots of sharing of information, help across states etc.) But Colin hasn't attended these meetings for about 3 months now. I always excuse him to the group (he's busy etc.) 

Now there's a face-to-face meeting planned in August and I asked Jodie who was flying down to catch up, Colin, or both of us. She has told me that she presumed that only Colin would be going. 

So I am a little annoyed - I have firstly been asked to gather the level 2 bosses together, have a great working relationship with all of them and Colin who hasn't been participating gets to meet up with everyone face to face.  In the big scheme of things it seems so trivial but then on the other hand I don't want to bother holding these video conferences any more and prop up Colin who seems to reap benefits because of his official role/position. Am i being petty about all this? Do I continue to support such behaviour? How do I approach? Colin, Jodie or Owen?

Guidance from the wise and experienced is very welcome. 

Thanks in advance, 

Peter

 

Submitted by Randall Sanborn on Monday July 29th, 2013 6:57 pm

Colin is your boss, and there is a meeting with his peer group to discuss things relevant to his peer group. In this particular matter, I recommend you do nothing. There are any number of reasons that group needs to meet and the content of their meetings may be items privy exclusively to that team, or not. Regardless, it doesn't matter.
I would look at the video conferences as a perk and an honor. You get very regular face time and exposure to your bosses peer group and recognition by both your boss' boss and your boss' boss' boss. That's a huge reward in and of itself. Ostensibly the manager, the manager's manager, and the manager's manager's manager know what the goals are, and our job is to do that to the best of  our abilities (within ethical and moral reason).
You have a gold mine that your peers and the individuals under your boss' peers should be jealous of. Cherish it.

Submitted by Peter Bate on Monday August 12th, 2013 6:00 am

 Hi Rhsanborn, 
Thank you for the very opening response. I had never thought of it as an honor in all its sense. When you put it that way it really does clarify it for me that yes - there is nothing to really do in this instance.  Just enjoy the fact that I am being involved regularly in collaboration opportunities - be it whether in person or over a video conference. 
Thank you once again. :) 
Peter