Need Advice (Work Related) - Long

FYI: I cannot log onto LIF during the day, so unfortunately, I will not see/reply to posts until the evening. TIA!

I recently received an offer to work in another part of the firm (internal transfer) and accepted.

The "negotiations" were done by my current manager, and my soon to be manager. Unfortunately, all internal transfers for professionals (those with titles) are arranged between the managers. My manager had asked that I transfer to the new group in four weeks from the offer date, where the last two weeks in this group, I would split my days between the two groups.

While I felt this was unnecessary, my hands are tied, as my current manager wanted the four weeks.

Since that date, I have written up procedures for my position to make life easier for whoever fills my position. This was easily accomplished, no complaints here...my manager went as far to compliment me and thank me for doing so as it was not required.

However, there is a huge project that I was involved in, and one of the currently members of the group will have this assignment going forward. Since I'm close with this colleague, I do take the extra time to explain things until she confirms that she has a full understanding. It's not that complex but b/c she does not "enjoy" it she's not putting all her effort in.

(Background History: She was initially assigned this project, but didn't take too well to it (and complained every single day to our manager,) so they transferred it to me, where I took it to levels and beyond (b/c I wanted to and enjoyed it) and got involved in testing, new development, and complex processing.)

I sat with her all last week and yesterday, sometimes she is involved as I allow her to "drive" (sit on the PC and actually do the work) and other times she ignores what I'm saying.

Here is my dilemma:

She's one of the "closer" colleagues that I have a personal relationship with and I assumed she'd make it easier for me to train her and vice-versa. However, she's made it harder for me, and it looks like she's doing it b/c she doesn't want to take the project back on.

I approached her yesterday before end of day, and (in so many words) stated the following:

"Jane, I know you are hesitant to take this project back on, but that's honestly between you and our manager, Jill. I'm doing my best to bring you up to speed so that you do not have any issues going forward."

She replied, "Well, I know I can call you when I have problems."

My response "Unfortunately, I cannot allow that, especially in the group I'm going to (very prestigious and everything is monitored.) You will have to take everything I give you, otherwise you will be left out in the dark."

At that moment, she got up from my desk, went to her desk, shutdown her PC, packed her bags and left. Now, my manager was out yesterday for Jury Duty, I don't know if this is something I should go to her with, or wait until the end of day to see if she approaches me to train again.

Should I approach my manager with this, or should I wait to see if she (apologizes) and trains w/me?

My fear is that my manager will get involved, extending my four weeks to longer b/c this colleague is making it more difficult!

Re: Need Advice (Work Related) - Long

first - congrats on the new position!

second- i think you made a mistake of telling her that she cant contact you if she has a question. the finality of her having to understand these things is probably freaking her out a little- especailly because her heart is not in this project.

my advice is to tell her she can contact you through email and you will get back to her when you have a second.
in addition, if you want to get out of there in 4 weeks, i would work the issue out with this colleage and not include Jill in the discussion. Even though this chick seems immature, try to handle it on your own so you can just leave this department, as that seems to be your priority

third- youy are getting out of there in 4 weeks so i would assume this project is going to be the last thing from your mind when you are in your new position. teach your replacement the best you can, and move on. im sure if she has questions she will ask Jill or another colleague.

Good luck!

Re: Need Advice (Work Related) - Long

Congratulations on your new position!

I think Jane needs to understand that you're taking a new position, and she's not being "punished." She should be happy that you've done everything you can and then some with the project that she needs to take over. I had to relinquish some of my duties and they went to someone else as I was put on a high profile project at my job as well. This project is very demanding, and the person who took over my previous responsibilities contacts me often with questions. Unfortunately we're still in the same group so it's kind of hard to avoid. I usually let her calls go to voicemail and get back to her when I can. Maybe you can try to do something like that?

Re: Need Advice (Work Related) - Long

People I work with routinely call former colleagues who no longer work for the company with questions. In order to leave without burning more bridges, you'll probably have to answer a few questions from time to time.

I suggest that you regularly update your manager, in writing, on the progress of your transition. Spell out what topics you covered, with whom and how you measured their progress or understanding. Less formally, you may want to share your concerns with your manager, so she's aware, too.

Re: Need Advice (Work Related) - Long

The fact that you are "friendly" with her makes it indeed more difficult.

I would talk to her again before seeing your manager. I would explain that packing her stuff last night was not the best move and is not going to change the situation. That you don't want to involve the manager and ask her what she would like you to do at this time. What does she propose to resolve the issue?

Meanwhile, while I understand that you are being transfered to another position, it is usually customary to "offer" your help for a little bit. Meaning, a phone call... once in a while when she is against the wall and really need some help. I would offer her a "short" time for "phone support" but needs to understand that it is to be used in the last resort. I would actually run it by the current manager and future manager so they agree on the situation. That way, you will know whether or not you can respond to her phone calls and you can then tell her during your training with her whether this is a possibility or not.

Re: Need Advice (Work Related) - Long

congrats again on the new position

any reason why jane doesn't want to do the job. do you think that since you're friends, she thinks that she could go to whenever whenever she has a problem with the project.

good luck

Re: Need Advice (Work Related) - Long

Congrats on the new position!!

I would try to stay on track with showing her the ropes and if you find she is still being half @ssed about it I would go to your/her current manager to express your concerns. It's clear by the transfer negotiations your current manager expects her to be fully trained when you transfer and understands you will not be accessible once it goes into effect.

Re: Need Advice (Work Related) - Long

Christine-are you going over the wall? Is that why you can't offer her support?

Re: Need Advice (Work Related) - Long

Re: Need Advice (Work Related) - Long

Re: Need Advice (Work Related) - Long