u/Hopeful_Ad_4019

Hi fellow managers,

I have joined a Government department as a TL from the private sector, it's been about a year and I am starting to get to terms with the politics and bureaucracy.

Except with a peer team leader.

Context is they are close with a team member in my team - this team member is someone I would describe as a high performer. But as of recently I have started to observe this team member starting to struggle to deliver their assigned tasks on time.

On digging a bit more, I have found out that the peer leader is assigning work to my team member without my knowledge, because they are 'friends'. I have tried sitting down with them separately and highlighted this issue. On face value they agreed to make sure all assignments went through me.

Unfortunately this behavior has continued and as of last week, a Manager has escalated to me about my team member's output, or lack thereof. I suspect my team member feels obligated to say yes to my peer leader because of their friendship.

Is escalating this further up the only option I have now? Given the political nature of this organization, are there any other ways to resolve this?

I am temporarily going to be promoted to my manager's position. Whilst at a casual lunch chat I brought this up with a couple of colleagues.

One (who is known to be a non-performing troublemaker) asked, "What does {manager} see in you?!"

The tone was surprisingly harsh.

I let it sit for a few moments, smiled and said, "What does {manager} see in me, that's an interesting question...."

He didn't respond.

Is this a form of envy or immaturity? Should I watch my back against this person? He is on the way down so should I work to hasten his downfall?