Work slump? Need some advice from the pros

[urbanbreez]

True story: I was in a meeting yesterday and a woman on our team mentioned the word "problem" in regard to an actual problem we had. Before she could finish uttering the last syllable, a berating ensued so brutal that it culminated in her sobbing and walking out. We're talking snot bubbles here. Sad as it was, I could have easily predicted the response.

Did the words "make me a sandwich" enter the berating at any time?

"Problem? Yeah we have a problem alright. This coffee is lukewarm, go brew another pot while the men talk about the size of your breasts." Corporate America FTW.

The berator and beratee were both females. Surprisingly, it wasn't as funny as I had anticipated. I actually had something that my girl friend described as a, "compassionate feeling?" instead of my usual apathy/mild enjoyment/bemusement, It was strange.

[bigken117]

I actually had something that my girl friend described as a, "compassionate feeling?"

time to start taking up tennis, Nancy boy

[Dan Lambskin]

Did the words "make me a sandwich" enter the berating at any time?

"Problem? Yeah we have a problem alright. This coffee is lukewarm, go brew another pot while the men talk about the size of your breasts." Corporate America FTW.

The berator and beratee were both females. Surprisingly, it wasn't as funny as I had anticipated. I actually had something that my girl friend described as a, "compassionate feeling?" instead of my usual apathy/mild enjoyment/bemusement, It was strange.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zo3vLSoXWw4

[urbanbreez]

wow, i never realized what a mess that kirk van houten actually is. what a nightmare.

http://simpsons.wikia.com/wiki/Kirk_Van_Houten

[shawngee03]

Finger pointing is probably the most annoying issue a manager will deal with. Right next to nebulous responses about the issue. You can talk about the problem without mentioning a name to blame but you better have a solution (or thoughts toward a solution) to show that you learned from the mistake, even if it wasn't your own. Sometimes you'll get a bombastic manager looking forward to the opportunity to berate the team. That type of manager is waiting for the first person to point a finger so she/he can devour you. Avoid words like "problem". Nobody wants to hear about a problem, they want to hear about a solution. Choose your language carefully but don't seem timid. It's a very thin line - an art (he's probably the smartest guy in this thread), really.

True story: I was in a meeting yesterday and a woman on our team mentioned the word "problem" in regard to an actual problem we had. Before she could finish uttering the last syllable, a berating ensued so brutal that it culminated in her sobbing and walking out. We're talking snot bubbles here. Sad as it was, I could have easily predicted the response.

while i agree yes finger pointing is non productive...not being able to say the word 'problem' seems silly to me. i manage 7 people...and work w another probably 90 or so. we say the word 'problem' all the time...bc there actual are problems.

im an engineer...so we identify problems and solve them. i guess maybe in the business world you are worried more w image and rah rah managing...but i know for me as long as you speak literally, inteligently, and logically i dont care what you say as long as you are working towards solving the problem. not being able to say a word seems silly...but then again ive always been much more literal and logical than most people...which yes gets me in trouble sometimes

example of how it gets me in trounble...i say 'i dont care' all the time. poeple hate it when i say that. but when i say it its bc i really dont care about that issue you are talking to me about. yes i could say something more nice and ear friendly...but im here to get things done and solve problems...not beat around the bush and sound like a motivational poster

[urbanbreez]

rah rah talk is not appreciated around here. we identify bs almost immediately. I'm the type that hates when someone pisses on my back and tries to tell me it's raining. The point is to focus on solving instead of complaining about the problem.

[AussieDodger]

rah rah talk is not appreciated around here. we identify bs almost immediately. I'm the type that hates when someone pisses on my back and tries to tell me it's raining. The point is to focus on solving instead of complaining about the problem.

[BitterDodgerFan]

so any updates, DaQ?

[Fantasy GM]

Wow I'm surprised this is still on the first page. Anyways...

Evaluation was, to put it briefly, good (I have 1 month to go). I earned a positive mark in every sub-topic of the evaluation, so I now have a positive mark on every aspect of the two earlier evaluations. Their one criticism - strangely - was on my extremely strong work ethic. My main evaluator wrote that it's both a strength and a weakness. It's a strength because, with the talent I have shown, all of my work comes out A-quality at the end. The weakness part is that I can be "off-putting"; if someone is slacking, I have a habit of taking too much charge and taking control of the rest of the assignment (while I like to help them out, I can't when we are on a tight deadline). The group also mentioned how I communicate more than I should during projects; most people under-communicate, so I need to find a happy medium.

The few reports I have received from supervisors since this evaluation have been very positive. Strangely, one of them - the supervisor not in my evaluation group - had me work a project that "coincidentally" gave me the chance to conquer any concerns my group had, and I did that.

The only concern I have: I look for tells to see where I fall in with upper management. They are pretty good at hiding these tells, so no one in my position knows where they stand (promoted or fired after the trial period) until the day of. In my case, this is true; everything is as it's been. For my friend however, they are tipping their hand that they will retain him. I am happy for my friend, but: 1.) I got a 100% on my evaluation. He got an 90% mark. However, 2.) He has been getting the more complicated/involved assignments as of late. His schedule next month has him in an area where only "promoted" people seem to work, though maybe that's not always the case. A few weeks ago, he made a huge/obvious/glaring error, but no one formally reported it (my "minor slip ups" - as is the case with most people - gets noted). To compare this into fantasy baseball...he is Matt Cain (mostly consistently good with his work, super-low maintenance, but not really a star yet), I am Tim Lincecum (No big mistakes, but can be a little turbulent sometimes, though no one is questioning the talent).

so any updates, DaQ?

??? Do I have a nickname I'm not aware of?

[lastingsgriller]

The group also mentioned how I communicate more than I should during projects

over communicate??? too much communication? what are in in politics or something? espionage, maybe?? librarian?