I posted a few weeks ago about the possibility of my supervisor's job opening. Well, he has officially resigned, and his job will be posted soon. Internal and external candidates will be encouraged to apply, we were told.

This is a natural step for me, if I can get the job. It's a department head position of a small department in public services. I have a lot of enthusiasm for the department plus some ideas on how we can improve some of our services. Plus I'm keen to move into a management position within the field. It'd be good for now and better for down the road. A small raise (it wouldn't be huge) would be nice as well. I've worked well with my current supervisor and have a good understanding of the job and its responsibilities.

Taking this job (if it was offered to me) would involve at least a two year commitment for me--not that anyone has said this, but that's my take on it.

But there's a problem: the boss's boss. She's a pretty bad manager. I've had some good and bad managers over the years, so this is not me being pouty. She's terrible, one of those folks who is in her position because she stuck it out in one place. She has few leadership skills. The best thing people seem to say about her is that she's easily influenced. She rarely takes responsibility for any decisions she makes. She doesn't advocate for her staff very well at all--she sends us emails correcting typos but rarely corrects major problems that have easy fixes.

I've been somewhat buffered by having someone in between her and me. I don't know if I want to work directly underneath her. Then again, who knows who she'd hire to be our new department head?

There is some ego here--I don't want to apply for this job if I can't get it. But a bigger concern is that I'd like the job, but the boss would drive me even more crazy. Is it worth it for what I can accomplish?

I'm interested in any input folks can offer about working for difficult managers.

It seems to me that you have 2 separate issues here: not wanting to work in the same place where you failed to advance to the new position, and concern about working directly with an ineffective manager.

You say the person is difficult, but describe something I would call ineffective, especially as you describe the person as easily led. It seems that this position could be an ideal growing place for higher level management positions. This is also a way to develop skills for being in management, as you learn to maneuver the perils of tricky bosses.

If this is an issue of not getting the job because you don't want to be embarrassed, you may want to reconsider the joys of management. Being in management generally means you will run the risk of being embarrassed on occasion. You may want to consider what you would want to do if you don't get the job within the library. If you have a plan to move forward, then you can focus on that, rather than harvesting sour grapes (a very bad move anywhere)!

I personally would apply and then worry about the difficulties.

These are really good points; and it is possible you can get bonus points for taking pressure off the person in charge. That is not to say it would easy, but it certainly could lead to a good recommendation if you decide to leave later on. I think planning what you would want to accomplish if you had the job is a great place to start; and would certainly make any interview easier.

Good luck! Remember that the interview process works both ways. You can find out how this person views the position, and get a clearer idea (one hopes) of what they think the job should entail.