This week: managing up to executives

This week in the pm-clinic discussion forum: Topic #45 – Managing up to executives. This week’s situation comes from a web development veteran in a new organization.

I am an experienced web development manager: I’ve shipped a few things and have managed people for years. I’m in a new organization now and I’m having a hard time with my VP and the folks that work directly for him (I don’t).

I’m used to having significant authority over my team and my areas. I’m used to being in the room as big decisions that will impact my team are made: I’m at least a party to the discussion, if not at the center of it. I realize my place but I expect my VP or his subordinates to recognize mine.

Now, in this organization, I’m not even in the game. I am dictated to, or given decisions to respond to well beyond the point I can possibly offer alternatives or make a stand. My direct manager is ok, but ineffective. He doesn’t see a problem with how our organization works.

Should I:

1) Suck it up. The results are ok/good even if the means aren’t. Maybe it’s my ego that’s the problem.
2) Go direct to the VP (skip manager) and state my case.
3) Get political. Should I become more aggressive in obtaining power, getting a little rougher in how I play ball, and work around my boss if necessary.
4) Leave. Find a place where my role is more like what I want.
5) ?