A quick history recap of my 2022.  I promoted one of my Jr managers into the position of my #2 in Dec 2022. He is an incredibly knowlegeable.  Technically incredibly proficient, and ... batshit crazy.  Medicated for anxiety, a recovering alchoholic, and I would bet tons of money that he is bipolar.  I reprimanded him after a number of verbal coachings over his people treatment issues, verbal fights with the client leadership team, and generally being  a pain in my ass with his rants at me.   My then boss transferred him at the last possible minute before I termed him or the client banned him from the facility.

So, I was given a replacement #2 to start 2023.  Just as technically competent as my former #2.  Great with people, and .... medicated for anxiety and admittedly mentally ill.  No details on what that means, but he has been vocal about it publically with a number of our employees. 

The issue....... he absolutely caves under stress. Not real stress, perceived stress. And anything that is not complimentary and kudos he considers criticism.  Someone asks a clarifying question in an email, or for follow up.. and he freaks out that his name is being besmirched, and his reputation is being attacked.

He walked out on Friday after one of my other direct reports was working with a broad organization to get a failed component sent for failure analysis by the equipment manufacturer. THis takes a return sheet that can only be provided by the manufacturer.  We are on week 12 days since the failure occured.  Still no return sheet.  A Sr. leader in the broad organization is frustrated that the component has not been shipped yet, out of our control btw, and my #2 lost it. This is not the first time he has walked out and commented he is not sure that he will be back.

As he was leaving I asked if I should expect a call from anyone in the company. He said no.  WIthin minutes of he departure my boss called to ask what the hell happened with my #2.

My boss is about to cut my new #2 loose.  

I had a f2f with my #2 yesterday informing him that Sr. leaders can't walk out when they get stressed and his advancement would be limited if he does not get this under control.  He was all butt hurt, told me it was unfare of me to ask him not to leave when he is having a mental health crisis, and then blasted me for not reprimanding two of my other direct reports.....

One of those was promoted less than three months ago, is learning his job, and is doing very well. The other stepped into a vacuum when his predessor walked out (rather than be released) after dumping hundreds of work orders onto our schedule on the due date.  He received no training, my company does not even have clear roles, responsibilities, or  comprehensive job descriptions. I have asked repeatedly.

My new boss (of 4mos) finally got me the first job description I have been demanding for 2yrs... today. It is for my P&S manager.  Only 5 more job descriptions to go until I can manage my entire leadership team to defined responsibilities.  I won't hole my breath. At this rate, it will be another 10 years before I have everyone's defined job duties in hand.

Back to my former #2. He was suspended today after a customer made a complaint.  

I was not surprised but I am sad about it.  He could be brilliant if he would stay out of his own way.  The same applies to my current #2. 

We will see if my now #2 can survive having my boss pissed off at him.  When the not anxiety ridden version of him shows up, there is no one better.

I just want a normal stable even moderatlely good #2.  I would take stable and competent over bat shit crazy and brilliant.