Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Copy and Paste

Sometimes in this world the smallest thing can set off a cascading chain of events that makes one want to shout, WTF? I don't mention my work very often but a litany of events evolved over the last week which makes my tiny little mind want to say, WTF?


The Story: my group of about 20, develop applications for a client ("the bully"). "The bully" is very demanding. Tensions have been building for years and our environment has been classified as toxic, caustic, unhealthy. It has been a hot topic of discussion with the higher ups for months now but no change, just lots of talk. Yesterday afternoon we had a Conflict Management group hug amongst ourselves. Of course "the bully" wasn't involved. We poured out our hearts about the way we are treated. We even had a few tears of frustration shed.

One of my employees just left last week partly because of this sad state of affairs. Just walked out. They will find her another position in another group. For me, I need to deal with having one less body to do the work. But I am ready to throw in the towel too and leave for another position. It feels like "the bully" is trying to gain the upper hand but we resist. Last week, they sent me what I considered the stupidest little requests to "fix". The final straw came when I was asked to copy a file from one folder and paste it into another folder. They said it was my job and that they were not qualified to do this. I actually thought it was an joke.

My response was to be stubborn and say NO! But my boss said to do it, so my team merrily did a copy and paste. And then did it again the next day, and the next… until today. Wowsa. We are now escalating to the higher ups. Because I said NO. Meeting requests are flying around left and right. Cancelled, rescheduled, cancelled, rescheduled. WTF?

A little background as to where I sit in this hierarchy: I am a Team Lead who reports to a Manager, who reports to a Director, who reports to a Director General, who reports to a Deputy Minister.

Yup, little old copy/paste has hit the big times. This teensy tiny little item is being raised to the Deputy Minister. Do you think he will roll his eyes and say WTF?

I do. But some bitch slapping would be fun to watch.

Mayan Riviera, Mexico: The countdown is on (see my new ticker in top right)!

Stay tuned for my next exciting post topic: Two new bras.

14 comments:

Amanda Kiska said...

I can't wait to hear about the bra shopping!

I understand no company is eager to alienate their clients, but one has to wonder how much the lost productivity has cost them. I've found that it is best to establish some boundries when you deal with "bullies" so everyone can maintain their sanity. I hope your company decided to adopt this policy!

Mexico? Can I go?

Tina said...

it just makes no sense...and happens all the darn time...Do you think it is a government/public sector problem or just stupid people problem?

xxxooo

Silverhairedgoddess said...

2 new bras that does sound exciting :D -
Hope you have a great time in Mexico !

Victoria said...

You work in my world too, I work as a technical consultant for a large DB company and I tell ya it's the same everywhere I have been, oh the stress! I think the computing world is just like that, its the people on the ground, i.e the developers that get the flack and I don't think that will change for any of the companies I have worked at over the years!

DiZneDiVa said...

I hope you can get out of the toxic situation as well... And I can't wait to hear all about your over the shoulder boulder holders...

Bonnie said...

I worked in a toxic environment so I totally can relate and empathize. I'm so sorry.

Joey said...

SUCK-y!! I can relate. The bully in my office is the company owner who I report to. It bites.

Nella said...

Craziness...I have been there my friend!

Whereabouts in Mexico??

uh said...

Sandy, before I retired last month, I had the same complaints. Now that I'm retired, I notice the same from just about everyone I know.....so sad. Can't wait to hear about Mexico!

Anonymous said...

Well, that sucks a big one! Being unhappy at work starts to wear on a person after a while. Hope it gets better and I know you will enjoy your Mexican vacation!

Read said...

OMG - I hate those bullies!!! I'm totally not happy about this - I can't wait till you are having fun in Mexico!!

~Lisa~ said...

Just keep repeating the mantra "Mexico.... Mexico.." every time you want to paste someone to the outside window of the building!! And remember to have LOTS of rum drinks in Mexico - the ones with the little umbrellas in them!!

On to bras!!

Lee Ann said...

Wow, you *do* need a vacation! Glad you have one scheduled....sounds great. And not only that, but perky perfect boobs after your bra-fitting. :)

Justine said...

To your 'WTF', I just want to add 'OMG'. That is all.

Oh, and I finally went bra shopping last week and, boy, does it make a difference!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...