I guess I just have a hard time being the supervisor, sometimes. Training and leadership has its perks, but only when you know how to do it right. Which I sometimes don't. So, I've been reading some training manuals lately and talking to some other managers, trying to pick up some tips...
Even though I feel like I'm constantly trying to implement new programs around the office, it seems like it's slow-going, hard to track progress and measure results, ya know?
But really, my colleagues are great -- all three of them. And they learn really quickly, even though I struggle to know how to "manage" them properly. My most adaptable colleague is sometimes also the most challenging. She's a really fast learner, but is also SUPER independent and "hands off!" when it comes to certain work aspects.
She doesn't deal well with direct orders, so I have to find ways to make her feel like what I'm asking her to do was really her idea. Does that make sense? It gets tricky, I'm telling you! Also, she's got quite the creative flair when it comes to "projects." But not a lot of follow-through on the "clean-up" side of said "projects." ...
We've been working together for 5+ years now, but she still has to be reminded about some of the most tedious things... like company dress standards. I mean, jelly shoes? (and that's IF I'm not telling her we have to wear some kind of shoes.) Plus, she gets stains or holes in most company uniforms, which is a bigger expense than you might imagine! C'mon! And I am constantly battling her about her hair as well. She seems to think the hairbrush never came back in after the '80s, I guess...
She also sometimes forgets that I'm the supervisor. I've overheard her ordering the other employees around when she thinks I'm not listening. Surprisingly, she uses many of my exact phrases -- be they threats or bribes. I guess this is teaching me what not to say when she's around??
She likes to eavesdrop on my conversations, then bring up certain "awkward" topics with my boss... like, informing him that I was expecting him back from his meetings much earlier, or reminding him of certain engagements that really have nothing to do with her.
But all in all, she's great! She reads my mind and moods and when she feels like pitching in, she's a REAL help to me -- which I really appreciate around here!
As for my other co-workers, well... My middle man is in need of some serious mandatory training right now. And he's really complacent about it...
No wait, I'm pretty sure complacent is the wrong word. He's actually quite adamant that he does not want to go through with this new training program...
Even though it means a wardrobe upgrade...
And he's been offered several incentive packages...
He seems to be perfectly content with his current plan, and it's hard to find the right motivation to convince him that this training will really improve his work options in the long run. He just has a hard time seeing the long-range vision behind this. As his direct supervisor, I'm struggling to know how to encourage him without getting frustrated. Maybe now's not the time to push back, I guess?
He's a hard worker, and gets a lot done, in spurts. We see a lot of fury-followed-by-crash. Here's a "crash" scene, happens almost every afternoon, after his fury...
He has a hard time expressing his opinions, and gets rather emotional at times, but isn't very communicative. When I ask him why he doesn't want to do certain things, his only answer is generally just, "because I don't." Hard to work with that, people. But I'm trying. I'd rather not be the "enforcer" with him at times, to be honest. He's very agreeable and loves to please, as long as he doesn't feel like someone is trying to force any issues with him. I have to walk a fine line there, as you can imagine.
He has a hard time expressing his opinions, and gets rather emotional at times, but isn't very communicative. When I ask him why he doesn't want to do certain things, his only answer is generally just, "because I don't." Hard to work with that, people. But I'm trying. I'd rather not be the "enforcer" with him at times, to be honest. He's very agreeable and loves to please, as long as he doesn't feel like someone is trying to force any issues with him. I have to walk a fine line there, as you can imagine.
But those baby blues... they win him points. All day. Every day...
Talk about communications struggles... I'm wondering if we should consider ESL for our third employee? She gets her point across alright, but it's usually through lots of gesturing, whimpering, or screaming. I've had to work hard to read her nonverbal cues. It seems she's prone to frequent meltdowns and needs lots of breaks, even more than the other two, imagine!
But she's pretty good at her job most of the time. She's GREAT at paperwork, and seems to genuinely LOVE it! She makes fast work of most any kind of paper -- can tear through books and magazines like a speed-reader, er, I probably mean speed-eater?
To be honest, she's a lot of work, when it comes to management. She's pretty demanding, and acts like the little "princess" around here. She takes some extra supervision, and TONS of extra programs and "equipment"...
But she's got charisma to match her complexity, so I guess we don't mind too much...
Or this...
Any other "managers" relate? Yep, the home office is quite the work-place, I'm telling you!!
12 comments:
Could this be my favorite post ever? Perhaps. Bordering genius, my friend.
I have a friend who has decided to count all the hours she spends managing the household, set an hourly pay rate for herself, and put that much money away towards a big vacation for herself and her husband in the future. I think that's bordering genius, too.
Cute post, Kam. I think it's interesting to see how we mothers all deal with the exact same issues. At least you can take comfort in knowing you're not alone!
And the potty training thing...don't stress out about it. Boys are harder to potty train. Ethan was 3 yrs and 3 months before he was fully potty trained. I let him let me know when he was ready...then we put a sticker chart up next the potty and I promised him a trip to chuck e cheese (my personal version of hell) when he went two weeks with no accidents. I blocked off about three days where I could let him run around in his underwear which meant we were housebound. He got the peeing thing down in like two days. Pooping took longer. I would just throw the poopy underwear away, but David lovingly helped him wash them out. I thought that was kind of cruel, but he was very kind about it and didn't yell or make him feel shameful he'd had an accident, and it really did make Ethan more aware of when he had to poop so he could get to the potty in time. After a couple days of washing out his underwear, he was potty trained. But I think the biggest thing is not to make him do it before he's ready, unless, you know, he's getting ready to start kindergarten or something. One of the biggest cues they're ready is if they wake up in the morning with a dry pullup. Then you know you're close. :) I'll say some prayers for you. You're a good mom. Your kids will be better that you were home with them during the day than if you weren't. I promise. :) Love ya.
This is indeed a very cleverly written post, Kam! How in the world did you manage to EXPRESS 'motherhood' so well???? It's so CUTE, it made me laugh out loud several times while reading it!!
You've certainly pegged the home-office routine correctly!!
There was one little terminology I was going to 'differ' with you on--and that was when you termed your little Spencer guy as "sometimes emotional." I thought the word "sometimes" might be a bit inadequate--a bit under-stated,,, (but that's just a fuddy-duddy grandma's viewpoint, of course...) :) Just Kidding! (He's really pleasant LOTS of the time!)
I'm glad you took time to write this well-thought-out write-up, Kam, and I think you're a fantastic Supervisor in that household! I love you lots and sincerely think you're a GREAT mother!! (On the phone I heard you earlier this morning--using your softest employer-to-employee tones in explaining to your oldest colleague that she was not supposed to hit the three-year-old colleague in the face with a book, and you did really good with your kind approach!)
You've got one of the BEST JOBS in the world, Babe, so keep on keeping on! Lots of Love to you, Kam from Mom
Brian's your BOSS? I thought you guys were like Ben and Jerry. Johnson and Johnson. Barnes and Noble. Baskin and Robbin. Goldman and Sachs. Lockheed and Martin. Sears and Roebuck. Fisher and Price. Abercrombie and Fitch. Merrill and Lynch. Rolls and Royce!
hehehh.. oh c'mon Rand, suspend your disbelief here. No, Brian isn't my boss, and my children are not colleagues. In fact, I don't even work in a real office. But yes, you're right we are like... um, Shearman and Sterling?? (You took all the ones most people would know.)
Loved this post Kamber! Totally ingenious way to thinking and writing about it all.
Love It! And I have to say there ar some things that I also struggle with my "colleagues". Especially, your first and my second. They are so alike in personality it's scary!
That was great! LOL. I have added "a busy mom's guide to having a happy, organized home" to my reading list, and she talks about running your home like a company too. Complete with SOPs (standard operating procedures) and such. So, it is funny to read a post about how YOUR home is like an office! Good luck! (it gets easier as they get older...seriously!) britt was like sammy, but is now a DREAM! truly. such an easy child. All those "weaknesses" you see in little ones, are their greatest strengths when they are older. "Determined to not be potty-trained" ends up "determined to never let satan win". It's a great thing, it's just a tough thing for mom to deal with!
AMEN SISTA!!! I wish we got a PAID holiday once in awhile:-)
Will you please author a book!! You are FANTASTIC!! Darling family. Congrats on the 7 years! :)
Great post Kam! Witty and fun. You may not know it but even though your days at "the office" are tough, retirement comes all too quickly. enjoy it while you can:)
Hi Kam!
You really should start publishing your work!!! What a fun post - and really, really so true!! I know a few "employers" who would agree... :0)
Hugs,
Barb
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