One Managers Journal

This is the real life journal of a manager I know. To read what this is all about, start here.

To comment on these entries, or ask questions, go to the Management Forum and post in the folder titled "Journal".

Number 17 (cont,)

THE BUCK STOPS HERE!

"You want me to do what...when?," I said to myself as I looked at my online calendar in comparison to a co-workers. It seems that when one employee left, his assignments were divided basically between two employees - one of whom will do anything that takes her out of the office, the other who works well under pressure and "always does a bang up job (Me)." Well, flattery got 'em nowhere this time.

I told them (the suits), "I can do these 6 things mediocre or I can do these 4 things excellently. Which would you prefer (gosh I hope she goes with the four things, I think to myself)? She hesitated. "Now what?" I think. "What about 'so-and-so'" (cat claws emerging...meow)? "I just checked her calendar. There's nothing on it...can't she do it?" It worked. I got out of it. But I hate playing these sort of games.

What has happened here is that by ignoring certain employees as punishment, they are by default rewarding them with less work and accountability (a certain kind of employee would consider this a reward) and punishing those they've pledged to reward with impossible responsibilities and burnout.

Oh well, SSDD.

SOMETIMES, THINGS ARE AS THEY SEEM

We (a co-worker and I) were like kids Christmas Eve. Couldn't wait to lunch that day. We just knew our manager wanted to talk to the two of us about our impending promotions and salary increases (you know, the ones they've been promising for some time know). Talk about letting the air out of a hope-filled baloon...All she wanted was help on how best to handle the dynamic duo. It seems that she finally realizes that not all of the grumbling and rumblings about the dynamic duo are based on jealously. Most are based on real events and obvious acts of betrayal, disloyalty, incompetence, etc.

Basically, she wanted confirmation of her suspicions, and information on what makes these two tick, and how she and others might help them not tick so loudly -- information we were more than happy to give her.

She believes that the transition is finally moving along and that the duo has outgrown their usefulness. Unfortunately, her co-manager and the suits above them both disagree. So, her hands are basically tied. But, she has at least learned not to take EVERYTHING the dynamic duo says as GOSPEL. I believe that at least THIS MANAGER will seek the opinion of others before making snap decisions. Too bad she didn't have this epiphany before THE LIST was created and a very valuable employee got fed up and left.

Nothing earth shattering or awe inspiring occurred during this meeting. But It's good to know where people stand on things.

Continued.......

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