Help!

[treehugger]

I'm having sort of psychological issues...some history is needed.

Most of you know I work in a male dominated field. I'm female. I'm 37 and most of the guys who work with me are in their fifties and have a LOT more experience than I do.

Our boss is retiring. He has already *left* but technically his retirement doesn't happen until June because he had a lot of sick/vacation leave to use up.

There is fifty guys at our shop. Our shop's operating budget is 5.5 million dollars per year.

What's the issue?

There's a fairly large group of men who want me to be the next boss. They say it's either going to be me or this one other guy.

I am having a really difficult time, I guess, feeling worthy of the challenge. Not so much like I don't think I could do a good job; I am pretty sure I COULD do a good job.

But I can't *see* myself in a position of that kind of responsibility.

I'd be a damn sight better than some of the other guys who want the position, though.

How do I "shift gears" so to speak and start seeing myself as a capable manager?

Like I said, it wouldn't be official until June; then the recruitment process begins. The wheel turns slowly. But I've been told that should I go through the process, there's about a 75% chance I'd get it.

I'm having a self-identity issue, I guess. I have a hard time seeing myself supervising 50 men; being in charge of 5.5 million dollars every year, and all this in a male dominated field.

I still feel like a hippie but they're turning me into management scum??? LOL...

Kath

[mamasharones]

Well from the brief history you've shared it seems like all those other men think that you're the next boss.... and the fact that they're able to comfortabley talk to you about how you might be the perspective boss seems like a good thing. I think you may be making this a big deal in your head. Not that it's not a big deal but when you're kind of intimidated by the men and the job title it may overwhelm you. I don't know what kind of field you're in but if everyone thinks you're capable and you're 75% sure you might get the job it seems like everyone else believes in you....now it's time for you to believe in you.

I think we've all lost a little faith in ourselves at one time or another.... but I think that you're co-workers are pretty supportive. You can't expect to be excellent on the first day on the job... but as time progresses you'll get more into the swing of things and I'm sure you'll do as great or even better job than your previous boss. Don't let men intimidate you....expecially if it hinders you from movin on up the corporate ladder. Do what i do....pretend they're all girls! Treat them as thought it was a women you're talking to. It's seems like they all have faith in you anyways!
Overall don't stress yourself out and allow some uncertainty. You'll do GREAT!

[Pedata]

Wow! That's quite a change!


I was a boss once. Thor has been a boss. We both agree that sometimes it's a great deal like babysitting.

Employees, well, some of them, will come to you with personal problems, personal gripes about other employees. Really, just a lot of grade school stuff.

However, since your prospective employees are around fifty they going to be a lot more mature than the ones I supervised (teenagers) and the one's Thor supervised (twenties and thirties).

If you go google "effective managment" or something like that, it will give you a good idea of what to expect.

You might like it :)

Hippies can be managers, lol. You can give all your employees "smoke" breaks.

Peace,
Cass

[treehugger]

I think you may be making this a big deal in your head. Not that it's not a big deal but when you're kind of intimidated by the men and the job title it may overwhelm you.

I do tend to make things a big deal in my head...one of my weaknesses.

But..on the other hand, if the guys REALLY think I'm the best thing for the shop...and I DO have the shop's best interests at heart...I feel like I need to start *feeling* like I really can do it.

I DO, feel like I could improve the functioning of the shop. A lot.

I just feel like, to get into that position, I need to be mentally and psychologically ready for it. And that is what I'm asking for help with.

And, for Pedata...I really WISH I could give them smoke breaks, damn, I'd like to take em myself...but...alas...they might kill themselves (dangerous work) and then I'd feel guilty.....

I'd be a really cool boss, I know it. People would enjoy working for me. Because I'm good at seeing people's strengths and acknowledging them and making them feel good about them. And complimenting them. Making sure they KNOW they did a good job.

Kath

[MissD]

Oh treehugger, go for it, that is awesome!!!! managment can still be hippies!! I dont personally know you, but on some level kinda, I think you'd be totally capable, you are starting something ya know, the only women there ,and then the only woman boss, very cool!! DO IT!!!!
good luck with your choice but I think you would do great things for the industry!! :cheers: cheers to chicks in upper management!!!!!!!

[redthewitch75]

Wow! That's quite a change!


I was a boss once. Thor has been a boss. We both agree that sometimes it's a great deal like babysitting.

Employees, well, some of them, will come to you with personal problems, personal gripes about other employees. Really, just a lot of grade school stuff.

However, since your prospective employees are around fifty they going to be a lot more mature than the ones I supervised (teenagers) and the one's Thor supervised (twenties and thirties).

If you go google "effective managment" or something like that, it will give you a good idea of what to expect.

You might like it :)

Hippies can be managers, lol. You can give all your employees "smoke" breaks.

Peace,
Cass


My son's name is Thor.

[mistkgarden922]

If your co-workers who are all older and men want you to have the job than maby you should do it they must respect you and the job you do. Hay no one says that a hippie that makes it is a bad hippie I know alot for hippies that have real jobs we all call in infultrating the stiffs and expanding our loving reach. Go for it.