ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, June 9, 1996 TAG: 9606100014
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: 5 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: Working it out
SOURCE: CAMILLE WRIGHT MILLER
Q: My predecessor left everyone with the impression he was perfect. Those I supervise begin statements with "When Jim was here, we. ..." Clients open conversations with "Have you seen Jim lately - how's he doing?" How do I get them to focus on me as the supervisor without sounding petty?
A: Your predecessor created an atmosphere where people are the central concern. He left you a gift.
Keep up with Jim. When clients ask, give updates and express appreciation for the work he did. Then shift the focus to the clients and ask questions about them or their interests.
When employees preface statements with "Jim," listen carefully. They're trying to tell you something more important than how Jim did things. They may be expressing fear of change, warning you of pitfalls, or revealing unexpressed emotions.
Again, ask questions. Ask, nonjudgmentally. Convey genuine interest. You'll gain excellent insights. Thank them for being open with you.
Focus on connecting with customers and employees without excluding an integral part of their work life. You'll forge strong relationships. In a matter of a few months, you'll have the loyalty you desire.
Attempts to erase questions and references about your predecessor are futile. You'll be viewed as petty and discussions will continue behind your back.
Take the high road. Develop relationships and listen for deeper concerns.
Q: My hobby and sideline are the same as my job. I own, as a result, more equipment than my company, which is limited in resources. Special requests from customers can be met only if I take work home and use my own machinery. My boss pays me for this time. Co-workers say I'm wrong to do this, but give no explanation beyond saying I'm being "used." If I'm OK with it, what's the problem?
A: Many employees take work home. Home computers and printers, for example, are frequently used to complete office work.
The difference noted by your co-workers is that most who work at home have comparable equipment in the office. Those workers aren't subsidizing their employer's equipment budget.
If you want to continue your current arrangement, talk with your attorney, your accountant and your insurance agent to ensure you are in compliance with all laws and coverage needs.
Consider, also, that the work you complete at home uses more than your time. Wear and tear on equipment, the cost of utilities to support machinery use, and loss of other income which could be generated in that time should be calculated. Are you still being paid fairly?
If your evaluation of the situation leaves you satisfied, continue working as you have. Tell co-workers you appreciate their concern but you're content with the arrangement.
If your evaluation demonstrates you're losing money or need to increase insurance coverage to protect the value of a customer's property, create a new arrangement with your boss.
Subcontracting isn't a bad arrangement; however, it involves more than your regular hourly wage.
Q: I may have reached job burnout - years after it was fashionable. How can I determine whether I'm just overworked or have reached the end of what was once an enjoyable career?
A: Burnout is considered to affect those with the best attitudes, highest aspirations, highest levels of energy and greatest motivation. The cause is an organization's high demands that conflict with the individual's organizational goals, coupled with little room for individual initiative.
Overload stems from adding new tasks to an already full job. There aren't enough hours or days to accomplish assigned work.
The consequences, though, are often the same. Both can lead to decreased motivation. Sufferers experience loss of self-confidence, psychological withdrawal from work, depression and attitude changes.
If productivity and satisfaction have diminished, change is in order. You may need a vacation, a reduced work load, a job change or a lifestyle change to regain your energy. Engage in self-evaluation and "what-if." What-if allows exploration of likely consequences of change. For example, "If I took a long vacation, what energy could I return with and how long would it last?"
If you're feeling loss of self-confidence or depression, meet with a counselor to evaluate the problem.
Whether overload or burnout, the sooner the problem's addressed, the sooner you'll recover your sense of well-being.
LENGTH: Medium: 83 linesby CNB