Mo’ Money, Mo’ Drama

We all want to be appreciated and compensated for the work we do. We want our family and friends to be proud of our accomplishments. We want something to show for our dedication. On 9 out of 10 resumes you will probably see the phrase “Self –motivator”, but what does this really mean? For me it means that I look pass the black and white #12 Times New Roman font on my job description with the desire to achieve more; more than what’s expected, so it’s no surprise that I quickly get noticed in an organization. Now I don’t come in “guns blazing”, trying to over-impress anyone. I evaluate my duties and if there’s a way to do them more efficiently, I do it.

It’s not as simple as said, but it’s who I am and who I’ve always been. I know you’re thinking “over-achiever”, but I truly enjoy fixing problems and finding better ways to do routine things. With this being said, it’s not a surprise to me that I am offered a raise and title change within the first six months on the job; in fact, it has happened on my last three jobs. I come in, work hard and get compensated. The problem is, when this happens, it usually, almost always, ignite some form of drama. So here I am feeling good that yet again I have proven myself worthy in a short time; I’m looking forward to more challenges, the future, yada, yada, yada and the bombshell drops.

At the office you have the folks (you know the same ole folks, doing the same ole thing) who want to know how the new kid on the block comes in and scores the raise, bonus, title change and what have you. Then the chill factor sets in, where people are being a little cold; not even mad at you; it’s not personal, they are just disappointed in themselves for not having the ambition to beat you to it. You also have the paranoid soles who think you must be selling out everyone else in the office if the boss likes you so much; so they keep their distance; won’t even tell you what they’re having for lunch if you asked; as if everything they say or do will be reported back to the “Big Cheese”.

Now let’s talk about the home front. No problem there, right? Wrong. One would think that if no one else would be happy for your successes, your family would be, right? No, that’s not always how it goes down. My Father tells me that I don’t need a raise because I’m not saving any money anyway, plus he thinks I’ve had too many raises already. What’s wrong with this picture? What parent doesn’t want their child to excel? One girlfriend tells me that they pay me for nothing, ‘cause, as she puts it “you don’t do anything” – where does she get her information? Is this not the same girl who calls me to go out for drinks at 9pm and I’m still at work!! That means that I do a lot of “nothing” for 50+ hours a week! Then I have one friend who automatically sees me as an ATM, if I even ask her to get my mail out the mailbox she’ll charge me; want her to watch my 14 year old overnight… $200! I can’t make this stuff up!

It’s crazy because these people steal your joy. What should be a momentous and happy occasion has been plagued with drama – the why her, why not me, why can’t I, why didn’t I – drama! It almost makes you want to hide your accomplishments and not tell anyone; beg your boss not to send out the all users email announcing your promotion to the company, but it shouldn’t be that way.

Why is it so difficult to simply just be happy for someone else; I mean genuinely be happy that someone else has accomplished something. Instead of using the accomplishments of others as self-motivation, we sometimes use it to focus on our own shortcomings. If you notice someone else moving ahead, use them as inspiration and motivation to help you get where you need to be. It’s just like the saying “crabs in a barrel”; no one gets out because every inch closer to the top someone is pulling you back down. I truly, whole heartily believe that God rewards us for our unselfishness, when we can generally be happy for a friend who may have gotten the promotion we wanted.

Corporate Diva

Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better!

I can’t think of a single job experience that didn’t have at least one overzealous employee who believed that they could lead the office better than the current manager. As the person in the office that most people felt comfortable confiding in, I have heard all types of plans of possible “takeover” of management. I have even had the unique experience of witnessing a few select members of a volunteer board of director’s plot to remove the current president from his position. If I had the opportunity to turn these plots into a primetime television show, I would appropriately title it “Corporate Intrigue.” There’s politics, competition, backstabbing, and the dreaded tabloids—better known as the office –gossipers to name just a few. While no manager or ordinary human for that matter is perfect, I must give kudos to the men and women who have bravely taken on these types of leadership roles. Your tasks do not come without its fair share of drama. To employees who think that they can do it better, I encourage you to thoroughly think about it. Are you honestly capable and willing to deal with multiple personalities, other people’s personal crisis, and an employee plotting to take over your job? While I firmly believe in climbing the corporate ladder, I condemn climbing the ladder at someone else’s expense. Do your job and do it well. The day that you honestly believe that you can do the job better than the current management, let it be known through the quality of your work and your office demeanor. If you are not recognized or recommended for the next promotion, update your resume and advertise your exceptional skills to other companies that may be seeking a go getter with your talent. To the managers who really should not be managers, that’s another story, deserving of a title all its own.

This article is dedicated to Shawn and Willie. Shawn, you are an excellent and compassionate leader, the non-profit arena is fortunate to have you represent it. Your work speaks for itself. Hang in there! Willie, the ball is in your court now, don’t drop it. All eyes are on you.

Seasoned Admin

Does The Office Need A Vacation From You?

August usually marks the end of summer vacation as we know it. It’s time to get the kids ready to go back to school, attempt to adjust back to our normal schedules and time to bid the bathing suits, barbecue grills and the fond memories of summer farewell.

Most of us can’t wait for some summer R&R; even those who don’t have enough PTO find ways to take some time. We come and go throughout the months of June, July and August; taking days here and there. So if most of us enjoy this, why is it that the ones who NEED to take a vacation, don’t? I’m talking about the work-alcoholic who would work ½ day on their wedding day; the one who comes to work in a wheelchair immediately after leaving the hospital from foot surgery; I mean the one who send you work-related emails at 11pm on Saturday night!

Vacations are two-part, they give you a break from the office and the office a break from you. When you don’t take a vacation, you’re robbing your co-workers of their vacation from you. We all need a work-life balance to be successful. My experience has shown that those with all the PTO in the world and the money to actually take a decent trip are the ones who never do. I remember hinting for my boss to visit some remote desert island, far away from the Verizon network; far away from any internet tower and television for that matter; but it didn’t happen, he went to Florida… for 3 days instead of the 14 that he promised!

My message to those who put in for an entire week off but come in on the third day and work the rest of the week is simple…. “YOU MAY NOT NEED A VACATION, BUT THE OFFICE NEEDS A VACATION FROM YOU!” Step away from the keyboard, slowly set the phone down, put the Blackberry in the air and exit the building! Don’t stop pass the fax machine, don’t pass go, don’t collect $200. I know, I know the phone is ringing; it could be important, walk away I beg you, walk away. You pay Florence to answer the phones, she can handle this; just get in the elevator and press “P” for parking and don’t look back; you can do it, go, I’m begging you!

If you use less than 25% of your vacation time every year, this message is for you; please take some time for yourself; if not for you, then think about those back at the office!

Happy Trails,

Corporate Diva

From The Desks Of....

This is an on-line blog that addresses various issues surrounding the workplace. A forum where professionals congregate to share experiences, best practices and thoughts about everyday office life in Corporate America!