sci.research.careers

Recently, we had a performance appraisal. I had to read the short
comment given by the departmental head. He wrote the project leader
from another department gave excellent feedback about my performance.
The departmental head also wrote that I started doing the project
within his dept, and I showed my capability to his satisfaction, and
that he expects that I would do even more work on the topic.

The departmental head always says hello to me. He always listens to
what I have to say (unlike the senior administrator -- his boss).
Recently, I did an experiment. I was walking in the corridor, and I
saw the dept head talking to someone. I said "Hi" to him. He
interrupted his talk, turned his head to me, and said "hi" in return,
then continued his talk. This is incredible ! Nobody here interrupts
his conversation for anyone, moreover the boss !

I think the guy has a genuine respect for my capability, and he
expects me to complete the challenging work for him. All the signs
tell me this. However, it is almost a year since I am in his employ,
and he never gave me tasks, and never offered me to take
responsibility over any project ! I am underemployed, and have an
informational starvation. It looks like his management told him to
keep me in the lowest rungs, and do not give me an opportunity for
advancement ! I am perplexed, and I am totally dismayed !