Relocated across the country to join as a director. I've been here 6 months and hate it. It's difficult to get anything done, all communication is via text message...which is strange, and I feel excluded within my team. I want to go back to my previous company and have an opportunity to do so. Has anyone negotiated paying back less of their relo$ if it's not a good fit?
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You're a senior director. If you can't carve your own niche at that level, and need someone to hold your hand to tell you how to do your job, you're useless.
They do not have a history of negotiating relocation early self departures, may want to consult with an attorney who may be able to guide you.
Nobody in that place has a clue as to what they are doing. It’s not just you. Most folks know who to s@$k up to because that’s what made them still be around. I say leave when you have a spine or stay when you don’t
go back to your old job - nike will take and take and take and in the end your work will never matter
It depends on the people in your group. It could be just that you’re new, or it could be the passive-aggressive nature of many leaders at Nike. I can’t even count the number of meetings I’ve been in where no one would give their opinion, or give an opinion/make a decision only to change it or contradict it later, depending on who was/wasn’t in the meeting.
Ugh. I remember all of that and hating feeling like the only one in the room who doesn't know something because everyone else was talking through other channels and doing meetings before the meeting, etc. Plus, I've never seen it where people will actively help you succeed unless they're going to benefit as well. It's a hard nut to crack but playing dumb and being a good listener worked for me while I was at Nike. Use your ETWs as well since people tend to not notice them in the room and they can pick up useful information.
Thanks all. I have heard that it takes time to acclimate to Nike. @1rwp+15PKiVWP When I said all communication is through text message is the directors and sr. directors are cliquey and any updates or information is shared via call or text. You will hear one another comment on calls and in conversation with leaders "oh, (insert VP or Sr. Director name) texted me about this...". I feel it's not very inclusive as being somewhat newer, I don't have the phone numbers to some sr. leaders but being asked to "call them" or "text them". Honestly, it looks like a way people like to strut how "connected" or "networked" they are within the company.
Sorry to hear this. 22 years here and I have nothing but very good experiences. I'd give it a bit more time if I was you.
Honestly, I think they'd have hard time to cater to your relo $ request at this point (they have certain expectations, they feel they paid for it, and now you are backgracking so they'd want their money back) - I have no experiences w/this but this is my gut.
Please elaborate on this?
""all communication is via text message""
This is very unusual.
OP, the last six months have been anything but normal. I say hang in there and be ready. You clearly must have a skill set that’s valuable and were brought into the team for a reason. You do have to put in the time to feel the synergy, six months (especially these past ones) is just the tip of the iceberg. There will be a lot of up and downs throughout a career with Nike- growth, opportunity, friendships and excitement along with let downs, misunderstandings and challenges. All career paths incur strife. This year has been very difficult because of covid distancing, connection is elusive and boundaries are blurred. In the end you just have to go with your heart. Good luck, I hope you find your path!
@1rum ....LOL....I love it
@1rsx ah....what? "what you’ve just said is one of the most insanely id–tic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul,"
Crack some asses.Man up and take charge, Young people have no clue how to build up a crew from the bottom and get results. Take charge like you are being paid to... If not have them call Me and I will solve both problems
It's sad to hear your transition has been less than great. Chances are you competed against a pool of candidates and outperformed. Further, you sere selected for your talents and experience and that was a win for the brand. I would encourage you to reach out across your peer group or even into another function and up a level and request an on-boarding mentor. You should be receiving that kind of help from your direct manager, but since that may be absent, try to make some other connections before you bail out. You will find your "people" and if you don't, then think about rewinding back to your previous life. I am not an HR geek/insider BS-ing you. Just someone who has been there.
Sounds abnormal. But I know senior directors that barely talk to any of their direct reports. No direction. And even pre CV19 were completely absentee. In your situation nothing will change unless you make yourself heard. Tell them. Otherwise your talents are being wasted and so is Phil’s money.
Nike can be pretty cliquey, and it's hard to fit in if you don't have ties to Oregon. I moved from California to work at Nike and had a tough time fitting in with my team. Mostly because I didn't listen to country music.
Hello @OP. I am sorry you are not finding Nike or, more specifically, your function and team less than what you have expected. I have been a Nike director for few years now and it is from that experience I am providing this input. No, that is not "normal" nor it is expected for communications to be conducted primarily via text messages. Once in a while and depending on the circumstances, I expect it and have been dealing with it especially from my manager and my colleagues - fellow directors. With that said, you can and should express your preference for other type of communication along with with why you prefer. The rest of your team may have been together longer and may have simply assumed that this form of communication is perfectly acceptable to all; bad assumptions, yes though you can change it.
As far as negotiating paying back less in relocation fees, I personally have not been in such position. However, should you elect to leave (wishing you the best here whatever you decide to so), have a conversation with your manager and even your HR Business Partner to explore options.