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countrigal
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« on: December 09, 2002, 04:17:21 pm » |
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What's up with no one understanding the concept of formating, or what it really is??? A co-worker just asked me to format a memo in response to an official complaint, which would be no big deal except she hasn't gotten the response formulated yet. How can I format something that is non-existent?? I decided to be helpful and explain that it is put into the normal memo template and that as soon as the response was received I'd gladly format it, and then went so far as to attach a copy of the memo template, with some of the information (subject line, opening paragraph) specific for this response. I then inlcuded a suggestion that they save this template and use it for future official complaint responses. I already know that I'm going to get an attitude from these folks 'cause I didn't do their job (fill in the memo, send it to appropriate folks for response, fill that in, etc) but I have enough of my own to do. As it is, my job no longer includes doing their admin duties but I'm not pushing that issue and dealing with the headache that discussion would bring about. And I really don't mind doing the "look-it-over, correct formatting problems" thing cause it's really a simple thing in this template. But it brings me to my other gripe with these folks, which only rears its head when they ask me to do this "formating" thing (yup, it's happened before, with the same response given -- they never learn!)... why do these folks think they're better than anyone else in this office? Everyone else, including Bossie, does their own "admin" work (writing, drafting, sending memo's and letters, etc) but them. These 2 are the only ones who think that both I and a co-worker are here just to write their letters, format them, and route them appropriately. If she and I were to drop of the earth, these 2 folks wouldn't know how to do 1/2 of their stuff. And it really kicks us because there are no real "admins" in the office, just a group of folks who all fulfill some admin duties, except those 2. What a way to start a Monday!!
Sorry for the gripe session, but at least now I feel like I can smile at them when they come to 'talk' to me about my response.
CountriGal
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nifty50
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« Reply #1 on: December 09, 2002, 04:37:56 pm » |
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There's always someone in the workplace who, for whatever reason, just can't learn how to do things even with the ease in using templates. I personally think it's a way to delegate and maintain the upper hand when they just can't (or won't) figure out formatting and template functions. Or if you *do* walk them through it and hold their hands, nine times out of ten, they'll come back the next time and have to be instructed to such lengths that you nearly give up and just say, "Oh I'll do it" and usually that's just easier in the long run anyway!
Anyway, hope your Monday goes along better. I've been a Admin Authority visitor for many months and have been meaning to join in the forum. What a wonderful resource this all is!
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Jackie G
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« Reply #3 on: December 09, 2002, 06:24:35 pm » |
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CG perhaps a dictionary definition of what 'formatting' actually means might help?! LOL Seriously stick to your guns - you sound like you will - and say you can't format something that doesn't exist yet - maybe then they'll realise that they're actually asking the wrong thing! (And anyway if it's not your job to write the responses, maybe one day it'll hit through their thick skulls!) Nifty - welcome to the Hub, enjoy it and look forward to more contributions from you!  Jackie www.iqps.org
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bethalize
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« Reply #4 on: December 09, 2002, 06:28:44 pm » |
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You are soooo right! But how do you tell those people from those who can't be bothered or are too lazy to learn? And how computer literate do you have to be to hold on to your job? If you refused to use a pen or a telephone, you'd be out on your ear pretty quickly, wouldn't you? It's amazing how many people couldn't possibly learn how to archive their email but have managed to master the art of forwarding funny pictures to their friends.
I had to listen to one of those "I'm too important to have to learn this stuff" talks the other day. I trotted off to someone else important and inquired about documented standards or computer competence for employees (we're a small place, everyone does their own stuff, or is meant to). Hmm, no, boss man says. Good idea!
I'm taking an evil satisfaction that if there is a clearly documented level of requirements and a set of how-to documents on those requirements, the only way to get out of doing it will be to claim you're too important (and if the Big Boss can do it...).
Bethalize
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nifty50
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« Reply #5 on: December 09, 2002, 06:30:22 pm » |
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Jackie and Pam,
Thanks for such a cordial welcome! Will definitely plan to join in and not just lurk from now on. I've gotten so much out of the forum and can't let a day pass without seeing what's new. Software Survival alone has helped me greatly with Excel and Acrobat--there's just nothing like real-world power users.
--Nancy (nifty50)
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Jackie G
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« Reply #6 on: December 09, 2002, 06:31:48 pm » |
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Nancy You're so right about software survival - I remain constantly amazed that our fellow peers know so much stuff about stuff!!! This is always a good place to come for help. Now . . . can anyone cure my cough??? (sides are SORE from coughing!) Jackie www.iqps.org
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countrigal
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« Reply #7 on: December 09, 2002, 06:45:17 pm » |
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Nifty, welcome to the Boards, and thank you for the post. Thank you to everyone who posted.
Liz, I might have to see about computer competency being added to our ratings. It makes sense, but just hasn't been done. Maybe they feel as nurses that they don't need it? But our nurses on the floors are using computers for everything, including when dispensing meds. So... guess they'll learn or have it documented that they aren't up to standards.
My day has improved since the original post. No feedback (or grief) from my response to their request for "formating" but only time will tell if my message took root or if they'll send another request for "formatting" help on the next complaint. Till then, I'll just keep plugging along.
Thanks to all for listening!
CountriGal
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bethalize
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« Reply #8 on: December 09, 2002, 07:11:50 pm » |
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You have my sympathy, Jackie. I can only recommend Benylin for "dry" coughs (presuming yours isn't just 'chesty' or 'tickly' or Pholcodeine (generic brand, replaces codeine syrup, surprisingly good). I get the Benylin original for night times and the non-drowsy for the day. Steam for relieving the tension in your lungs (depending on what type of cought, but it works for me) and Extra strong Strepsils to get through the day with. If it's a tickly cough the Lemsip cough medicine is the only one I rate at all. Oh, and those weak paracetemol hot blackcurrant drinks to keep temperature down.
Bethalize
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bethalize
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« Reply #9 on: December 09, 2002, 07:13:31 pm » |
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I think it's a rather good idea, myself (glad you agree). I think that if we were to say "You must be able to do X, Y and Z" AND provide how-to documentation or tutorials, we'd be able to say "do it yourself". Right now, when nothing is clearly marked as the responsibility of the individual, I have very little reason to say no.
Bethalize
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Jackie G
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« Reply #10 on: December 09, 2002, 09:40:11 pm » |
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Bethalize been through an entire bottle of Benylin thanks, am now on Pholcodeine as it contains different things. The rest of the time I'm on water, throat not too sore really just when I cough. As for CG, glad the rest of your day didn't cause you too much grief. Like the idea of the computer competency - maybe all offices should be adopting that! (that way people can't cherrypick the things they want to do (like forwarding crazy pix on email etc!!!) Talking of which has everyone seen the new way to cook a turkey for Christmas? Not for posting on DD, but very funny all the same, if you want it, email me privately and I'll forward it!!! Jackie www.iqps.org
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debsjohnson
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« Reply #11 on: December 09, 2002, 10:35:34 pm » |
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Have been on your board a few times, registered and forgot my "memorable" password - oops!
I don't know if it's just me, but we have set templates for memos, faxes etc, and all staff use these. These are saved in a folder called Shared Files and everyone hs access to them.
The people I know who do not have much experience of PCs are those who want to learn, and feel it an achievement when they have completed something. (eg one person who had a PC for 2 weeks, had never used email, powerpoint or xl before completed by email a Powerpoint presentation with XL sheets, formula etc in it and presented this in front of our European Director and was absolutely fabulous!).
So, keep trying as lethargy is far easier than attempting something you know someone else can do!
Deb
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Jackie G
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« Reply #13 on: December 09, 2002, 11:36:57 pm » |
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Deb welcome from me too - and the more you post, the more you'll remember your memorable password LOL Jackie www.iqps.org
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chevygirl55
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« Reply #14 on: December 10, 2002, 02:58:14 pm » |
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Boy, do I agree with the computer literacy testing or requirement! We hired a PM here a couple of years ago with NO computer experience at all. Everything we do is computerized and it made it really tough not just for the support staff but the other managers and even the guy himself.
chevygirl55
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