How to handle skips that used to be directs

Submitted by Peter Rogers
in
Management and Leadership

How do you handle skips, who used to be directs, that want the same access to your time that they had as directs?

Details...

My team has grown quite a bit in the past 2 years.  People who used to directly report to me, now report to directors that report to me.  I have cancelled the 1:1s that I used to have with them.  When issues or questions come up, they often come to me.  I try to send them to their manager (that is what I would like my boss to do if my directs go to him.)  There seems to be an uncomfortable discussion around this. 

If they want to talk I will always take a meeting with them.

Thoughts or advice welcome!

 

Submitted by Douglas Elmes on Wednesday October 5th, 2011 8:42 pm

I ask them if they have run this past their direct.  If they say no, I then ask if they could please run it past their direct first.
Depending on what happens now determines how I handle it. 
 
I have been in a similar position in the past.