behind closed doors
Arguing with the biometrics group is not how I wanted to spend my Tuesday. Actually, the struggle has been going on since last week. One simple table update, that’s all I need. But you’d think that I was asking for an entire report from the US census bureau. *sigh*
The head of the department has got a thing for closed doors. He calls you into his office for a “discussion,” then verbally takes you down.
On a day where every double check of the in-text tables and listings I am reviewing yields a different response, I am more than frustrated. I don’t have time to be “called out.”
What I wouldn’t give to be able to have a door to close so that I could better concentrate on my task-at-hand. If only his group would’ve generated said listings when asked, I wouldn’t need to do what I am doing. Instead, I’m being asked why I’ve repeatedly sent email after email documenting an issue in need of resolution (read: his group needs to correct the ONE listing they’ve provided.)
And on a day where I’ve been frazzled beyond frazzled, push-back (behind closed OR open doors) is NOT the desired response.
That was yesterday. Here’s hoping today will be different.
Zing Boom Tararrel
Today, a few of my colleagues and I, in the name of research, went on “site visit” to a potential vendor who may be assisting us in a future team building venture.
Not only did I get to learn about the wine making process, I also got to experience wine tasting for the very 1st time.
Yippee! We’re gonna have a “barrel of fun!”
um…
Today has been one of those days where nothing seems quite right. I’m restless, easily annoyed, and have no patience.
After sitting in meetings all morning, then having to attend another dog-and-pony-show for yet another potential vendor, I have no tolerance for um, how do you say, um… uh… excessive, um… use of, um… the, uh… use of “um.”
And when the meeting runs over into the lunch hour without any value added, I want to blow a gasket. You see, the company that I work for, in spite of all of its wonderfulness (and there is a lot) is one where folks need to be seen.
Visibility at our desks from 9 – 5 is expected. It matters not if, for one reason or another, a lunch break is not taken. Heading out for a run at 2 or 3 pm (in place of lunch) is not an option.
And so I wait patiently for the clock to strike 5. Then… I’m, um… OUT. OF. HERE!
Lead by example
Nearly 6 months ago, I began working at my new company. It has taken me quite some time to adjust and feel useful. It has taken even longer for me to feel comfortable enough to break away for lunch. And you know how I need my lunchtime getaways.
Part of the reason I found it difficult was that my group generally lunches together. More than that, I really like my colleagues and want for them to like me. On more than one occasion, I have been left feeling a little guilty about my break away lunches. Or…perhaps that is the Catholic in me that has me feeling guilty. *sigh*
The funny (and very cool) thing is that my break away lunches has created a change that even I did not foresee. By leaving to run during the lunch hour, an example has been set. It is one that people are starting to follow — at their own pace.
It’s pretty cool.