Ask the expert: Heading off a meddling boss

Q: How do you deal with a boss who, while you are away, reverses your decisions and undoes systems you have put in place?

I run a small department in a large firm. But when I return to the office after being away on business, I find my boss has undone many of the systems I have put in place, and reversed the decisions I have made.

I don't know whether my boss is trying to undermine me, feels he is at liberty to do what he likes without consultation or is just plain thoughtless.

How should I handle this problem? Your boss is over-managing. By changing systems that are your responsibility he is interfering, intentionally or not, in your ability to perform.

A: Dr MARIE WILSON is associate professor of management at the University of Auckland, research director of the Icehouse business accelerator and a veteran of 20 years in corporate management and small business.

Your first step is to speak to him about this matter. You should review your job description and clarify your delegated authority in terms of systems, decision-making and supervision. Then discuss what he does when you are not there.

You should be able to cite instances where he has reversed your decisions, and ask for his reasons for doing so. Let him know the effect this has on you and your ability to do the job. Be prepared to listen to what he has to say; he may be stepping in because someone has to or because of requests from staff.

Get his rationale for managing while you are gone. Since he does not do it while you are there, perhaps there is something else going on.

You can do more to manage the situation as well. Keeping your boss informed of decisions and systems and reviewing them periodically to get feedback and approval reduces the probability that you will be reversed later.

Work with your boss to make sure your unit is always managed even when you are absent. Suggest that you designate an acting manager for your periods of absence. This could be someone you are trying to develop in terms of their managerial ability. This reduces the likelihood that your boss will feel the need to step in.

We are Indian migrants. Two questions: what are the chances for Indian chartered accountants, MBAs and teachers in the New Zealand job market? Second, I want to start an immigration consultancy firm. Do we need registration, and if so, which department is to be consulted?

On the first question, the employment chances of immigrating professionals depend on many factors.

Recognition of institutions where you have studied and worked, and having the required licences in New Zealand, such as being registered as a teacher or being a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, both help.

So does experience in institutions that may be recognised by or seem similar to those known by New Zealand employers.

Joining business networks seems to facilitate finding employment as well. It helps if there is a critical shortage in an area - for example, computer science teachers - as this breaks down many of the barriers that migrants face.

On the second question, I don't really know. Some of the stories that make the newspaper headlines would make it seem unlikely that there are licensing arrangements, and there are a very large number of on-line resources in this area, but to be sure you should contact the Immigration Service and some of the existing firms in the area.

A number of firms have websites stating that they specialise in immigration from India. They may not wish to discuss business details with a potential competitor, but they can certainly advise you of their licence status if you inquire.

Send your questions to: julie_middleton@nzherald.co.nz