# Your boss quits; how quickly do you throw your hat in the ring to replace him? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [March 11, 2016, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-boss-quits-how-quickly-do-you-throw-your-hat-in-the-ring-to-replace-him/748648 "2016-03-11T15:20:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![2gigch1](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/2gigch1/32/3313_2.png) [@2gigch1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2gigch1)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2016, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-boss-quits-how-quickly-do-you-throw-your-hat-in-the-ring-to-replace-him/748648/21 "2016-03-13T01:08:11Z")
When the chief that hired me called me to say he was leaving I asked him right then and there how I should go about trying to get his job. We talked and I had an email expressing interest to his boss within the hour asking for consideration. Ultimately I didn’t get it (and rightfully so - the guy they hired was more experienced) but now I am _his_ assistant chief and I am learning everything I need to know for the next time, or in a different shop. What I found interesting as I peered behind the employee / management curtain (in our shop) was the \*expectation \*that managers had of each other to be aggressive about their wants and desires, almost like the sharks appreciate swimming with other sharks. Clearly it helps to have a friend or mentor to help define the exact culture you would be dealing with in your place. I had no idea that extroversion while maintaining command fealty was the name of the game where I am, but it’s been a riot to learn. So relay on the advice of your boss who is leaving, and have fun throwing the dice. It’s a hoot. And don’t be timid. They generally don’t want timid in a manager. ---
**Author:** ![Winston\_Smith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e95f7d/32.png) [@Winston\_Smith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Winston_Smith)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2016, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-boss-quits-how-quickly-do-you-throw-your-hat-in-the-ring-to-replace-him/748648/22 "2016-03-16T16:59:02Z")
> [@Bill\_Door](#): > > \ Why wouldn’t you want it? A promotion isn’t always/automatically a good thing. I’m earning an _excellent_ salary right now, with very little headache or responsibility. Sure, I’ll make a little more money if promoted but the headaches associated with management are difficult to quantify. It’s not my first rodeo, so I know what to expect, and I _do_ want the promotion, but I have reservations about it. ---
**Author:** ![Winston\_Smith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e95f7d/32.png) [@Winston\_Smith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Winston_Smith)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2016, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-boss-quits-how-quickly-do-you-throw-your-hat-in-the-ring-to-replace-him/748648/23 "2016-03-16T17:04:11Z")
I did not speak to my boss’s boss (Kelly) on Friday. I thought that was too soon. She was off Monday and I spoke to her yesterday. In the mean-time, I talked to my boss about it and let him know I’d be speaking to her. He let her know and put in a good word for me. To make a long story short, Kelly was very supportive and indicated she had come to the same conclusion (that I should assume the role) and that she would bring it before the CIO (_her_ boss) and advocate on my behalf. So, we’ll see what happens. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2016, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-boss-quits-how-quickly-do-you-throw-your-hat-in-the-ring-to-replace-him/748648/24 "2016-03-16T18:33:27Z")
Every company does it differently, but here is how the companies I’ve been at do it. During performance review there is also a promotion list – both for technical promotions and for management promotions. Good management has a succession plan. It has never been a “go for it” kind of thing - it is more them coming and asking. The last time a boss left I immediately started managing the group on a provisional basis until it became official. As for me, even if I weren’t retiring in three weeks my bosses job is a lot of contract crap. We also have a flat organization where you either manage no one or manage 20 people. But managing reasonably small groups is fun. ---
**Author:** ![Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a183cd/32.png) [@Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barkis_is_Willin)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2016, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-boss-quits-how-quickly-do-you-throw-your-hat-in-the-ring-to-replace-him/748648/25 "2016-03-16T18:45:11Z")
> [@Winston\_Smith](#): > > I did not speak to my boss’s boss (Kelly) on Friday. I thought that was too soon. She was off Monday and I spoke to her yesterday. In the mean-time, I talked to my boss about it and let him know I’d be speaking to her. He let her know and put in a good word for me. To make a long story short, Kelly was very supportive and indicated she had come to the same conclusion (that I should assume the role) and that she would bring it before the CIO (_her_ boss) and advocate on my behalf. So, we’ll see what happens. Sounds like you’re in good position, good luck to you. I’m late to the party, but I would echo the sentiment of acting immediately if your boss’ position becomes available and you’re interested in stepping in. Waiting to make your intentions known can only hurt you. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-boss-quits-how-quickly-do-you-throw-your-hat-in-the-ring-to-replace-him/748648.md?page=1)