Work Question - What would you do?

[Maleficent13]

My boss is on extended surgery leave. She's been out a month, and she won't be back for at least another one. She is the manager of my department. There are two supervisors who report to her, me and "Carrie". We have five different divisions in our department; I am responsible for 4 of them and she is responsible for 1 of them (although her 1 is big).

Carrie and I have been handling the department fine without the manager, no issues. It is now budget and contract time for next year, and the VPs have been calling a lot wanting info on this or that. Again, no problem.

However...it has become readily apparent to me in the past week or so that the VPs are of the opinion that I am acting manager for the department in manager's absence. Even our own VP who knows the situation is acting like that. When they have something to announce, they tell me and tell me to spread the news to the department. They have been calling me to get info on Carrie's division. I always tell them I will relay the request to Carrie as supervisor of that division and she will get back to them ASAP. I know that doesn't sound like much, but there are a lot of intangibles and I know that is what they are thinking.

So, here's my question...do I continue to let the VPs believe what they want and just do my job? Or do I say something? I am in a quandary. If I'm honest, I'm not at all displeased that they consider me acting manager. It has the possibility to help me greatly down the road for a position I want. On the other hand, I think I may feel a *tad* guilty about it...although I've done nothing to give them that impression.

So,

 

[experiment626mom]

Let it continue as it is. Obviously the vp's in your company have a lot of confidence in your performance and your ability to work under pressure. However, I would mention it to your supervisor when he/she returns.

 

[phorsenuf]

Let it continue as it is. Obviously the vp's in your company have a lot of confidence in your performance and your ability to work under pressure. However, I would mention it to your supervisor when he/she returns.

Perhaps too they may think that your manager may not be returning and they are "grooming" you?

 

[alliecats]

That is touchy. I think I'd let it alone. They know this. If Carrie has a problem with it (and she might not), she should speak up.

BTW, are you the one who played that awesome April Fool's joke with the phones???

 

[Disney Doll]

IMHO, you are the acting manager for your divisions and Carrie is the acting manager for her division.

I would continue to refer any questions, issues etc. about Carrie's division to Carrie.

Your other alternative is to go to the next person in command and discuss your concerns about stepping on Carrie's toes and ask them to name someone as acting director rather than having this sort of nebulous thing happening.

 

[Maleficent13]

Yeah, the phone thing was me. My VP still brings it up on occasion. Thank goodness April Fool's Day is on Saturday next year or I'd be in TROUBLE!