I am rapidly descending into the pit of utter disdain for my job. That saddens me. Mostly, because there was a time when I truly cared (even here which is the root of my malaise).
Simple job requirements which happen in a timely manner in pretty much every other location of this job cannot seem to be accomplished here. When the question is posed as to "what can we do to improve?" and an open and honest answer is met with "we can't do that because we have never done that," I have to wonder about the sincerity of the concern. To quote Dr. Phil, "How's that working out for you?" If you always do what you always did, you always get what you always got. (Attributed to Mark Twain, though the jury is out on that one.)
Sure, I will be the first to agree with you that change for the simple sake of change or all change in general is not always good change; but when you realize something (a process, for instance) is irreparably broken something has to change. It bothers me that the process was identified as needing change 6 months ago and I was tasked to develop and implement the change, then my recommendations were shelved. Now it becomes a problem again, and you want my opinion only to tell me that what I see to be a fix is not doable.
I am confused. Do you want the issue fixed, or not? Will it be an easy fix? Not at all since it will involve the shifting of mindsets and paradigms as much or more than the changing of actual duties. Can it be done? YES! It just takes investment in the idea (belief, not financial) from the top down, raise expectations, hold people accountable for the competency level they are getting paid for, and get the job done.
The problem is a combination of both ignorance and apathy (what's the difference? I don't know and I don't care), but can be solved! Give up your preconceived notions of what can be done and try something radical (expect people to be able to do their jobs!).
Am I an expert on the situation at hand? I wouldn't say that, but I know I have about the highest competency level of my peers and subordinates, I have seen it work. Do what I am recommending, there will be change and it can be positive change.
Just my little rant since I go to work and can feel my soul getting sucked out of me. No purpose and no direction from the top in the happy little fiefdom in which I work. Joy...
Ahhh...corporate mentality. I sometimes think it is specifically designed to suck the humanity out of us. I am a freelance technical writer/editor, so I pop into a lot of short and long term contracts with various corporations. Around this time last year, I landed at the corporate headquarters of a wonderful company where I truly enjoyed my work experience. I enjoyed it so much that I was hopeful they would invite me back for future projects, or perhaps hire me permanently. Fast forward to September of this year, and they did invite me back. In the space of 7 short months since I finished that last contract, I was stunned at the dramatic changes at this company.
ReplyDeletePeople are burning out, feeling unappreciated, unheard, overworked (that one, I don't have a lot of sympathy for - at least they have a reliable job!), manipulated, and unmotivated. It was alarming, the evident and sharp change in overall tone and atmosphere that I witnessed. The prevailing comment I kept hearing was, "This place used to be a joy to come to each day. Now it's drudgery". Sad, yes?
I've pondered that, what might have occurred in such a short timespan to cause such a downward turn in morale. The pursuit of the almighty dollar is the obvious culprit, yet this company had maintained a vital, happy environment for 20+ years whilst also maintaining a very successful profit margin. I don't know the answer, but you are not alone with what you're experiencing.
All I can offer is that I'm happy you have a reliable job, albeit one that casts a pall of serfdom over the land. ;)
- Dawn