Working for a manager who doesn't manage!

Question

SITUATION:

I have been with the company I am with for over 15 years. Let me give some background information before I ask my question.

First 5 years

When I first started I reported to say Manager 1. Manager 1 was great... very knowledgeable and challenged me big time. At the time I was a new programmer and loved my work as well as my professionalism.

Next 5 years

Manager 1 retired earlier than he was due and I was then moved to another manager, Manager 2.
This manager was in charge of IT in general. My first few months with this manager were odd. He was nothing like Manager 1. He never had meetings, he never had any direction. Three other guys reported to this manager and a lot of them sat around all day watching YouTube videos or putting bandages on problems.
Manager 2 wanted things to stay the way they are. He didn't like if I helped another department or created any additional applications. My reviews with Manager 2 were odd as well. He said my emails or training seminars were too detailed. That I sometimes worked "too hard".

Years 11-13

After 5 years I put some hints to the VP that I was really looking to be challenged. Within a couple of weeks I received an offer from the VP to become a supervisor and report directly to our company director. I learned a TON! Manager 3 (the director) was just as good as Manager 1. They held status meetings, they innovated, and we got stuff DONE!

Recent few years

Manager 3 was moving and decided now to leave the company. The CEO put me back on the team of Manager 2. I could tell on Manager 2's face that he was not happy. I was able to take my subordinates, who reported directly to me, with me. Now the Manager 2 has put us in a different office where we cannot easily communicate with other IT members. He insisted this is simply to give us quiet time while we code.

• Manager 2 has never stopped in to talk to anyone from our group.
• I've talked and sent emails to Manager 2 expressing the importance of group activities such as lunches or team get-together. No response
• I've asked for training for myself and my group members. No responses
• He never shows up to any of the meetings I schedule.

QUESTION:

I have a meeting with the VP next week about some other application we are working on and was wondering if it would be okay to bring this situation UP?

Answer 1

Insofar as there is a question it seems to be "My manager doesn't want to talk to me, I went up the hierarchy and got nowhere, now what?"

The first step is to work out what exactly you want to have happen. Make a list, cross out the thing that are implausible. If you want someone fired but can't imagine management doing so, don't mention it.

Once you know what you want, build a case for it. For each request, make a short explanation that covers: what the problem is, an example of it, your solution, and how your solution fixes the problem. That is what you should take to the VP next week.

Based on your post above, I suggest working hard to keep that list very short and very factual. Resist the temptation to throw in everything that's ever happened. Make sure everything you say points towards the outcome you want. Focus on a bullet point style list of "this is bad. Here is how I want you to help me fix it".

How to get things done when your line manager does not manage? and Managing Up: How do I “manage” a boss contain somewhat relevant advice. There are better posts but my search skills have temporarily deserted me.