So I went to speak to Good Boss (GB) on Monday, to discuss the fact that I'm having trouble staying at work for five days in a row, and that I may need to reduce the number of hours that I'm working.
He was very cool. He said that he thought I was very brave for seeking help, thanked me for speaking to him, re-assured me that he'll speak to my immediate supervisor (BB), and only tell him what we agreed to. I spoke to GB first because I don't trust BB. You'll see how justified I am below.
Then today, BB asked to speak to me, and it was such a sharp contrast that it was almost laughable. Not quite though, because this is still some pretty important stuff that he's screwing up.
For instance:
Me: [On Friday, ringing at 9 am] I'm not feeling well, and won't be in.
BB: [incredulous, disappointed] Still?!
Seriously, can you imagine a worse response?
BB: [Today] So, I know that it's very personal, but can you tell me what's wrong?
Me: [pause] Did [GB] speak to you?
BB: Yes, but he only said it was a health issue... and I'd just like to know...
Me: [longer pause] Well, I'm going through a lot of things at the moment, but I'm getting treatment for them.
It's not like I didn't give him a couple of chances to RESPECT MY FUCKING PRIVACY.
BB: So how long will this [the reduced hours] go on?
Me: Unfortunately, there's no real answer to that.
BB: Well, I'm coming from a position of wanting to get you back to 40 hours a week, as quickly as possible, so you just tell me what we can do to make that happen. As quickly as possible.
Me: Er... (!)
Whereas the GB said at the end of our conversation, "We really do try to support our people here, whether they're contractors or full time staff. I'm so glad you're not resigning."
My plan of attack/defense is as follows: I'm not going to be speaking to BB alone about this from now on. I'm going to speak to GB again, point out my problems with BB's response, and ask him for advice and assistance.
November 02, 2005
November 01, 2005
You get the minion you deserve
I have a new minion at work, and when he first got here, he knew hardly anything about my speciality, and even less about Microsoft development in general. Despite this (or perhaps because of it) he's a perfect minion for me.
One of my little foibles (or "faults" if you will) is that I tend to be very good and precise at what I do, and so I expect the same of people working with me. When the person involved tends to "let the little things slide", and "gets there eventually" I can be perceived as arrogant and overly-critical. Because, I know the right way to do it, why oh why don't you just believe me and do it my way? 8)
My new minion not only has a very blank slate (so my way is the only way he knows), but he's also very self-deprecating. When he shows me his solution, and I say, "Well, you could do it like that, or you know..." and explain a better way to do it, he doesn't get mad, and he doesn't argue. He says, "OMG, you are so right. That's just... of course."
It's all good: I'm happy; he's more knowledgeable. Yay. It's not always so clear cut, and remarkably, I'm not always right, but even then, his attitude is "let's work together to solve this, OMG you're so clever".
And the other important thing here is that he's very intelligent in his own right, and smart enough to listen when I talk and takes in what I'm saying and still ends up agreeing with me.
One of my little foibles (or "faults" if you will) is that I tend to be very good and precise at what I do, and so I expect the same of people working with me. When the person involved tends to "let the little things slide", and "gets there eventually" I can be perceived as arrogant and overly-critical. Because, I know the right way to do it, why oh why don't you just believe me and do it my way? 8)
My new minion not only has a very blank slate (so my way is the only way he knows), but he's also very self-deprecating. When he shows me his solution, and I say, "Well, you could do it like that, or you know..." and explain a better way to do it, he doesn't get mad, and he doesn't argue. He says, "OMG, you are so right. That's just... of course."
It's all good: I'm happy; he's more knowledgeable. Yay. It's not always so clear cut, and remarkably, I'm not always right, but even then, his attitude is "let's work together to solve this, OMG you're so clever".
And the other important thing here is that he's very intelligent in his own right, and smart enough to listen when I talk and takes in what I'm saying and still ends up agreeing with me.
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