In such a small group it’s usually possible to work those things out, but you have to ask the questions FIRST.
It’s not that hard to keep a list of preferred shifts and days off, or to explain nicely if a few can’t be accommodated — and you can’t change already scheduled vacation days.
I’ve worked under people who posted schedules without regard for anyone’s feelings or other commitments, and I’ve also been a manager, with a happy staff.
The difference is in learning to be a “manager” and not just a “boss”.
I agree, Susan. As project manager for many years, I believed in “never ask anyone to do what I would not do myself”. So in computer room remodels (with large crews of various types) I have been known to break company rules about kitchen access and use my pass key to heat up home made lunch for the guys, even though I had to face the bosses over it. Besides, if they went off site for lunch we would have lost HOURS!
@Coolvq, in my experience, a happy staff is more productive, cares more about the company, pitches in more willingly when extra help is needed and gives better customer service.
All of that is far more important to me than whether they “respect” my inflexibility ( and might even be stealing office supplies to get even and sending out resumes.)The best part is that it shows on the bottom line.
Dear Susan, I can only take so much sunshine. Cheery people who are too cheery and think everything is going wonderfully either don’t know what is going on or else have large doses of valium.
SusanSunshine Premium Member about 13 years ago
Not true!
In such a small group it’s usually possible to work those things out, but you have to ask the questions FIRST.
It’s not that hard to keep a list of preferred shifts and days off, or to explain nicely if a few can’t be accommodated — and you can’t change already scheduled vacation days.
I’ve worked under people who posted schedules without regard for anyone’s feelings or other commitments, and I’ve also been a manager, with a happy staff.
The difference is in learning to be a “manager” and not just a “boss”.
coolvq about 13 years ago
I think people respect us more if we are unwavering in our decisions and not people pleasers
vldazzle about 13 years ago
I agree, Susan. As project manager for many years, I believed in “never ask anyone to do what I would not do myself”. So in computer room remodels (with large crews of various types) I have been known to break company rules about kitchen access and use my pass key to heat up home made lunch for the guys, even though I had to face the bosses over it. Besides, if they went off site for lunch we would have lost HOURS!
SusanSunshine Premium Member about 13 years ago
Right Dazz. And Apostle too.
@Coolvq, in my experience, a happy staff is more productive, cares more about the company, pitches in more willingly when extra help is needed and gives better customer service.
All of that is far more important to me than whether they “respect” my inflexibility ( and might even be stealing office supplies to get even and sending out resumes.)The best part is that it shows on the bottom line.
michael.p.pumilia about 13 years ago
Dear Susan, I can only take so much sunshine. Cheery people who are too cheery and think everything is going wonderfully either don’t know what is going on or else have large doses of valium.