annual review

[mlm668]

I got a sneak peek at my review this morning and overall it was better than I expected.  The lowest score was on my attitude with a note that I have "little tolerance for others who do not follow procedures" and "while I never refused a task, expressed displeasure about doing certain tasks".  

I expected this to be noted on my review as I'm very aware of my grouchiness over tasks this past year.  I have been given quite a bit more to do and most of it tasks that are mind-numbing on systems designed to be used by an individual not their "delegate" with very little communication on what is actually wanted by the individual (a lot of crystal ball, pulling out of thin air information).  I have trouble with that kind of stuff simply because I like to have my ducks in a row before I start so I don't have to go back and do rework on something that should be simple.

Yes, I know we are all expected to be Little Miss Mary Sunshine no matter what and cheerfully do whatever we are asked to do, but is it really wrong to have let our superiors know we don't enjoy certain tasks and would prefer to do something else if possible?  And is it really wrong to be unhappy with others who do not follow the procedures we are expected to not only follow but maintain for the group?

More and more I think I need to find a new line of work.  Once upon a time, superiors backed us up on procedures but all these teamwork/tolerance/hand holding trends of the last 10-15 years simply cause me more aggravation than the job is worth and more and more I lose the little enjoyment I used to get from the organizational/procedural side of things.


Michelle

[gee4]

Michelle, it seems given our role, we are expected to shut up and get on with it.  However well done you on your overall review.  Maybe you can express other areas that you would like to get involved in, if that's possible.  A review should be a two-way process.

[Katie G]

"...but all these teamwork/tolerance/hand holding trends of the last 10-15 years simply cause me more aggravation than the job is worth..."

As a card-carrying member of the "I do not suffer fools gladly" club -- I hear ya!  

Yes, it's wonderful that the admin profession has grown beyond the typing pool of generations before.  Frankly, I never would have survived in that environment.  But sometimes I wonder how much longer I can survive in this new environment with the utter incompetence (they simply CAN'T follow a procedure) and overinflated senses of entitlement (they don't think they HAVE to follow a procedure) that seem to have run amok.  As admins, we have taken on so much in the name of providing the best support possible -- I sometimes wonder where the line is between support and enabling.  

For example, there's a person in our department who is simply incapable of filling out her expense report properly.  Every single time she hands one in, I have to completely re-do it.  (And it's not a difficult form -- at least, it shouldn't be for someone with a Master's degree!)  I've explained the proper procedure, I've shown examples.  For heaven's sake, the form does the calculations for you!  I've offered to just DO them for her because, quite frankly, that's easier than going back and figuring out her mess, but she doesn't want me doing that.  I mean, really!

Honestly, if everyone followed the rules and procedures around here, I estimate my workload could be reduced by about 30%.  

Not much help to offer, but I sympathize.....

[mlm668]

Well, I had the "formal" review after lunch and it went well.  I know I'm vocal about the inability of others to follow procedures or being overloaded - sometimes too vocal.  And I know I need to tone it down some - especially in the current economic climate.  Bottom line for me was a better than average raise and a promotion.  The raises were all decreased by the client due to lack of funds but mine was still one of the higher percentages.  All in all, nothing I want or need to rebut.

The bad news (I was told off the record) is that none of us may have jobs come December 31st.  The client is trying to get out of our contract.  If they don't do that, we are looking at reduction in hours and layoffs at a minimum.  A reduction in hours will cut my gross by more than $7,000/year.  So much for the increase.

I'm trying to be positive, but from the rumblings I'm hearing and the verifications I've asked for on those rumblings, I may never see the increase.  At least the reduction in hours will mean I still have a job, but my budget is already tight.  The next few months are not going to be pleasant no matter which way it goes.

Michelle